Setting
Default Location for Vampire Knight: The Devil's Dance
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
Cross Academy is a part of 
Vampire Knight: The Devil's Dance.
5 Characters Here
Asuka Fujiwara [189] "Truth is beautiful, without doubt; but so are lies."
Zenith Rosenkreuz [168]
Sora Tsukino [157] "The phenomena of your power and my choice are forever disconnected. This is the Null Hypothesis."
Haruka Yamazaki [122] "I can see it in your eyes..the pain you try to hide."
Anastasia Guillory [40] "The optimist sees the opportunity in every hardship; the pessimist sees the hardship in every opportunity."
Start Character Here »
āThis feeling, this sensation of being divided against myselfā¦ I hate it.ā
Sora propped his chin on her head, not nearly as disturbed by the contact as he had been the first time sheād hugged him. It had been for thanks, then; he wasnāt sure exactly what it was this time, but it feltā¦ nice. Like he belonged here, in this moment, with her, which was or course stupid. He didnāt belong anywhere or with anyone. He shouldnāt even be in this world, wouldnāt be, if it werenāt for somebodyās twisted whim.
Absently, his hand trailed through her hair, relishing in the texture of the strands over the calluses of his battle-worn hands. It also helped distract him from her smell, which he couldnāt seem to ignore now that heād almost taken her blood. Something she said made him smile, though she couldnāt see it, still over her head as he was. She could doubtless hear, though, the smallest of chuckles rumble somewhere deep in his chest. She pulled back from him, and he allowed the shadow of the smile to remain, flashing a length of fang. āShit, Fujiwara, donāt ever change. At least, donāt change much.ā With that odd statement, he took hold of one of the slightly longer strands of hair that hung near her face, winding it with surprising delicacy around his index finger.
āI donāt understand you,ā he confessed solemnly, all hint of good humor gone from him. āIāve never met somebody like you, really.ā It was why sheād managed to draw his attention in the first place, and why she managed to hold it, even a year and a half since theyād last seen each other properly. It was why heād appeared at her side during her hunts, an ally she could not see or smell or hear. It was why she was never far from his thoughts. Gently, he released the strand, faintly curled now, and shook his head. āYou deserve the world, and if it was in my power to give it to you, I would.ā Maybe one day it would be. Strength came to his kind with time as well as training, and in time, he would be more than he was.
Maybe, even a thing like him could take everything he wanted, one day. Even if the only reason he wanted it was to give it to someone else, this friend of his whoād come to mean so much to him when he wasnāt looking or expecting it. Heād win the world and bequeath it to these people in his life, the ones that gave him cause to remember what it was to care. Her, Kaede, Sachikoā¦ maybe even Yamazaki. They deserved it.
With some measure of gentleness, he took Fujiwaraās hand, and brought it up, pressing his lips to the inside of her wrist. A small, chaste thing, and still more than he should have taken. But she had seemed to believe she owed him something, so he would have something. He nipped the delicate skin, just enough to draw a small bead of blood to the surface, then laved his tongue over the spot, healing the wound and sweeping up the crimson droplet in one motion. He let her go, sliding her fingers against his as her arm dropped back to its place. āIāll call us even there, Fujiwara.ā Even from that tiny amount, heād received dozens of memories, flitting over the surface of his mind, but he would examine them later, if he had the need.
He gave her the half-smile again, something glittering behind his eyes. He still didnāt believe her, when she said he deserved more than he had. The way he saw it, he had so much it was almost impossible to believe his luck. But... just in this frozen point in time, it didn't seem to matter that much. He wondered why that was.
Absently, his hand trailed through her hair, relishing in the texture of the strands over the calluses of his battle-worn hands. It also helped distract him from her smell, which he couldnāt seem to ignore now that heād almost taken her blood. Something she said made him smile, though she couldnāt see it, still over her head as he was. She could doubtless hear, though, the smallest of chuckles rumble somewhere deep in his chest. She pulled back from him, and he allowed the shadow of the smile to remain, flashing a length of fang. āShit, Fujiwara, donāt ever change. At least, donāt change much.ā With that odd statement, he took hold of one of the slightly longer strands of hair that hung near her face, winding it with surprising delicacy around his index finger.
āI donāt understand you,ā he confessed solemnly, all hint of good humor gone from him. āIāve never met somebody like you, really.ā It was why sheād managed to draw his attention in the first place, and why she managed to hold it, even a year and a half since theyād last seen each other properly. It was why heād appeared at her side during her hunts, an ally she could not see or smell or hear. It was why she was never far from his thoughts. Gently, he released the strand, faintly curled now, and shook his head. āYou deserve the world, and if it was in my power to give it to you, I would.ā Maybe one day it would be. Strength came to his kind with time as well as training, and in time, he would be more than he was.
Maybe, even a thing like him could take everything he wanted, one day. Even if the only reason he wanted it was to give it to someone else, this friend of his whoād come to mean so much to him when he wasnāt looking or expecting it. Heād win the world and bequeath it to these people in his life, the ones that gave him cause to remember what it was to care. Her, Kaede, Sachikoā¦ maybe even Yamazaki. They deserved it.
With some measure of gentleness, he took Fujiwaraās hand, and brought it up, pressing his lips to the inside of her wrist. A small, chaste thing, and still more than he should have taken. But she had seemed to believe she owed him something, so he would have something. He nipped the delicate skin, just enough to draw a small bead of blood to the surface, then laved his tongue over the spot, healing the wound and sweeping up the crimson droplet in one motion. He let her go, sliding her fingers against his as her arm dropped back to its place. āIāll call us even there, Fujiwara.ā Even from that tiny amount, heād received dozens of memories, flitting over the surface of his mind, but he would examine them later, if he had the need.
He gave her the half-smile again, something glittering behind his eyes. He still didnāt believe her, when she said he deserved more than he had. The way he saw it, he had so much it was almost impossible to believe his luck. But... just in this frozen point in time, it didn't seem to matter that much. He wondered why that was.
|āFragments strewn about were the ones needed to complete the canvass of pristine black.ā|
Whispers floated around the cafeteria. For the humans, they were being discreet with their conversations. Truly, they were not. Zenith can hear them perfectly. They were mainly talking about him. Like, is he available? Is he a rich? How hot he is and many other things that are superficial matters to him. For the other vampires, they contented themselves by looking at him with various meanings. They knew well not to earn the displeasure of their new leader in any event. As such, they observed their manners and kept their distance. The said pure-blood was not bothered by all of these. He found it exceedingly normal and was now used to it.
That is why he was able to calmly read his novel as if nothing else existed around him. He was in his own world and no one was allowed to enter it. For whatever reason it may be, he had never cared to elaborate this to anyone not even to his sister. As such, everyone had concluded that the Rosenkreuz pure-blood is incapable of emotions or feelings. He is an impregnable fortress which made him truly a frightening entity even more so as a leader among his kind. Because, he was someone they cannot read or even predict in his actions. He was a phantom that vanishes but ravages with great strength. Someone, they cannot hope to capture.
Turning a page, he caught hear the shutter of cameras like a fluctuating sonata. There were even glimmers from the flashes. It was completely fine with him. A picture of him or two will not be harmful and would satiate any goals those people had with him. Despite that, he did not remove his attention from his book. But, he was aware that Yamazaki had finally returned. He would not pressure the girl to finish her food quickly. They were not in rush at all. Although, he heard her speak. It was then he lifted his eyes from the written words and looked at the water bottle given to him. It was a surprising gesture from her who was undoubtedly hurt and angered by his actions in the past.
Of course, nothing was revealed on his face and those amber eyes of his remained vacant of any known emotion in reality. He simply gazed at the water bottle impassively for a few minutes before returning his attention to the book in his hand. āThank you, Ms. Yamazaki.ā It was stated with his usual monotone and a lackluster manner of speaking. However, it was never missing the polite inclination and the hint of distance. Just like that, he waited for the girl to finish her meal as he contented himself with reading. This book, he had read countless of time but, this was the only one he would read over and over again. The reason was still unknown.
"I want to attend Cross Academy!" This was the rather annoyed statement of Alice who was throwing a tantrum much like what a spoiled child would do. She was destroying all of the equipment around her along with hurting the personnel who were in charge of doing his routine check-up. "Lady Alice, please calm down!" One of the scientists tried to calm down the girl who had been recalled to the facility for her mandatory testing and maintenance. It was all fine and dandy for her but finally hearing that she was not going back to the Academy extremely angered him. "Send me to school! Hughes is even there! Why can't I?!" There was no use. The staff cannot appease Alice as she threw a fit like a storm. Among everyone, Alice was the most troublesome to deal with it.
"Why? Do you miss that Rose King?" These were the words of Ex who was leaning at the entrance with his eyes of black watching Alice in amusement. The said girl looked at him with a deadly glare. "Mind your own business, Ex!" This made him snorted in interest as he knew for a fact that Alice was very selfish and at the same time does not take kindly for anyone attempting to steal the Rosenkreuz pure-blood. She had gotten attached this past year and a half. "Then stop making a fuss. It's my turn and Contra Mundi would not like your disobedience." Hearing the name of their leader, Alice huffed in annoyance and pouted with clear displeasure. Anyway, she had finally calmed down as the staff was thankful for it.
"Don't fret too much, phase 2 is about to begin." Ex entered the room as some of the staff ushered him to a vacant bed. Alice took a deep breath and crossed her arms over her chest. She knew that fact. Everything was now set for the rising of the curtains. The stage was set and the main characters are now positioned. "Fine. Zenith is still mine no matter what." Ex shook his head at this and watched as the needle was inserted into his vein perfectly. He knew that Alice was well-aware to whom Zenith really belonged to as of now even if the pure-blood hides it perfectly. "Oh, really?" Alice then threw a marble towards Ex who dodged but an unaware personnel got hit instead at the center of the head which pierced through as if it was paper. The staff was used to this and Ex simply smiled in amusement.
The bell finally rang which meant that lunch was over. Afternoon classes will be starting for everyone. It was only then that Zenith closed the book he was reading and looked at Yamazaki if she was done with her meal. He wondered if she would be the one to accompany him to his class. After all, she was part of the Day Class and he was of the Night Class. She may be a prefect now and had her duties but she was also still a student. āI will return to my class. Mr. Tsukino would join me soon enough. You should return to yours as well. Until then, Ms. Yamazaki.ā This was stated with his signature emotionless conjecture. Standing from his seat, he took the water bottle which was still unopened. He then walked towards the exit without another word. Tsukino can take the place of being his bodyguard again. It was more logical to do so.
Walking along the hallways, the pure-blood was a vision of perfection and flawless beauty. At the same time, he was a void for any kind of emotion. Entering his classroom, the vampires once more bowed at his appearance as he simply walked towards his preferred seat which was by the windows. Once he was settled down, he looked out the window as he waited for the class to finally begin. Despite his pristine appearance, he was thinking a lot of things. Moreover, the wish he wanted to come true no matter what. It was still in the process of completion. He still had a lot of things do and it may be viewed as selfish in many ways. But, this must be done by him in which he closed his eyes momentarily as he remembered a certain event in the past. This started with one question of his.
That is why he was able to calmly read his novel as if nothing else existed around him. He was in his own world and no one was allowed to enter it. For whatever reason it may be, he had never cared to elaborate this to anyone not even to his sister. As such, everyone had concluded that the Rosenkreuz pure-blood is incapable of emotions or feelings. He is an impregnable fortress which made him truly a frightening entity even more so as a leader among his kind. Because, he was someone they cannot read or even predict in his actions. He was a phantom that vanishes but ravages with great strength. Someone, they cannot hope to capture.
Turning a page, he caught hear the shutter of cameras like a fluctuating sonata. There were even glimmers from the flashes. It was completely fine with him. A picture of him or two will not be harmful and would satiate any goals those people had with him. Despite that, he did not remove his attention from his book. But, he was aware that Yamazaki had finally returned. He would not pressure the girl to finish her food quickly. They were not in rush at all. Although, he heard her speak. It was then he lifted his eyes from the written words and looked at the water bottle given to him. It was a surprising gesture from her who was undoubtedly hurt and angered by his actions in the past.
Of course, nothing was revealed on his face and those amber eyes of his remained vacant of any known emotion in reality. He simply gazed at the water bottle impassively for a few minutes before returning his attention to the book in his hand. āThank you, Ms. Yamazaki.ā It was stated with his usual monotone and a lackluster manner of speaking. However, it was never missing the polite inclination and the hint of distance. Just like that, he waited for the girl to finish her meal as he contented himself with reading. This book, he had read countless of time but, this was the only one he would read over and over again. The reason was still unknown.
"I want to attend Cross Academy!" This was the rather annoyed statement of Alice who was throwing a tantrum much like what a spoiled child would do. She was destroying all of the equipment around her along with hurting the personnel who were in charge of doing his routine check-up. "Lady Alice, please calm down!" One of the scientists tried to calm down the girl who had been recalled to the facility for her mandatory testing and maintenance. It was all fine and dandy for her but finally hearing that she was not going back to the Academy extremely angered him. "Send me to school! Hughes is even there! Why can't I?!" There was no use. The staff cannot appease Alice as she threw a fit like a storm. Among everyone, Alice was the most troublesome to deal with it.
"Why? Do you miss that Rose King?" These were the words of Ex who was leaning at the entrance with his eyes of black watching Alice in amusement. The said girl looked at him with a deadly glare. "Mind your own business, Ex!" This made him snorted in interest as he knew for a fact that Alice was very selfish and at the same time does not take kindly for anyone attempting to steal the Rosenkreuz pure-blood. She had gotten attached this past year and a half. "Then stop making a fuss. It's my turn and Contra Mundi would not like your disobedience." Hearing the name of their leader, Alice huffed in annoyance and pouted with clear displeasure. Anyway, she had finally calmed down as the staff was thankful for it.
"Don't fret too much, phase 2 is about to begin." Ex entered the room as some of the staff ushered him to a vacant bed. Alice took a deep breath and crossed her arms over her chest. She knew that fact. Everything was now set for the rising of the curtains. The stage was set and the main characters are now positioned. "Fine. Zenith is still mine no matter what." Ex shook his head at this and watched as the needle was inserted into his vein perfectly. He knew that Alice was well-aware to whom Zenith really belonged to as of now even if the pure-blood hides it perfectly. "Oh, really?" Alice then threw a marble towards Ex who dodged but an unaware personnel got hit instead at the center of the head which pierced through as if it was paper. The staff was used to this and Ex simply smiled in amusement.
The bell finally rang which meant that lunch was over. Afternoon classes will be starting for everyone. It was only then that Zenith closed the book he was reading and looked at Yamazaki if she was done with her meal. He wondered if she would be the one to accompany him to his class. After all, she was part of the Day Class and he was of the Night Class. She may be a prefect now and had her duties but she was also still a student. āI will return to my class. Mr. Tsukino would join me soon enough. You should return to yours as well. Until then, Ms. Yamazaki.ā This was stated with his signature emotionless conjecture. Standing from his seat, he took the water bottle which was still unopened. He then walked towards the exit without another word. Tsukino can take the place of being his bodyguard again. It was more logical to do so.
"Zenith, I'm very afraid."
Walking along the hallways, the pure-blood was a vision of perfection and flawless beauty. At the same time, he was a void for any kind of emotion. Entering his classroom, the vampires once more bowed at his appearance as he simply walked towards his preferred seat which was by the windows. Once he was settled down, he looked out the window as he waited for the class to finally begin. Despite his pristine appearance, he was thinking a lot of things. Moreover, the wish he wanted to come true no matter what. It was still in the process of completion. He still had a lot of things do and it may be viewed as selfish in many ways. But, this must be done by him in which he closed his eyes momentarily as he remembered a certain event in the past. This started with one question of his.
āWhy?ā
"A wise man once said 'The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.' I wonder, will I remain weak then if I cannot forgive?"
She was glad now. Something about his half-lit smile caused a smile of her own to form on her lips as it then turned into a full out grin. There was something about his smile that she wanted to see it more often. It suited him a lot better. A frown marred her face when she reflected upon that. She had told him once that he should smile more. He never did. His face was glued in that unreadable mask and it was probably one of the many reasons why Asuka didn't hesitate in believing he was responsible for the Academy's death. She shook her head visibly before turning her attention back to the Tsukino pure-blood in front of her. She waved a hand in front of her.
"You are blind then because I already have the world. Haruka and you are my world right now. I couldn't ask for anything more. My friends are what mean the world to me and are my world," she stated, folding her hands behind her back as she rocked on her heels. Before more could be said, the bell signaled the ending of lunch and that the students needed to return to their classes. She sighed as she began to walk in the direction of the school. They were taking shifts in bodyguarding the white-haired pure-blood. It would be Asuka's turn soon since Sora had first shift, and now Haruka had this one. The three of them could do a patrol later on tonight after the classes were finished. "If you want to get a patrol in, you can. I'll go relieve Haruka of her duty for now. I think she might actually want to train with you a bit if she doesn't attend her classes," she stated in an amused tone. The human girl was something so far, even being able to withstand some of the training Asuka was giving her.
She wasn't taking it easy on the girl to begin with. Perhaps she was more sturdier than Asuka gave her credit for. With that in mind, she left to find the red-head and the other pure-blood, leaving Sora to his own thoughts and actions. There was an extra skip in her step as she made her way, weaving in through the crowds and avoiding as much contact with the others around as possible. Most of the students parted for her out of instinct. She was still prefect and still feared even now. She didn't mind, it made maneuvering around them easier. It didn't take her long to find the familiar red hair of Haruka, and she made her way towards the girl. Zenith it seemed, had already taken off back to his class, causing Asuka to sigh. What was the point in having a body-guard if the man just walked off on his own? She approached Haruka and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Haru-chan, you can go now. I'll take over from here. Sora is outside somewhere so if you want to train with him for a bit, all you have to do is call him. Or if you want to actually attend class, I'll leave that up to you. Don't worry about Rosenkreuz, I have you covered," she stated with a bright smile, winking at Haruka in the process before waving the red-head off. Once she was out of sight, Asuka took a deep breath and slowly trudged through the hallways. She wasn't looking forward to spending the time with the white-haired pure-blood. After what Sora had told her, what Snow had told her, she wasn't sure if she could keep her temper in check. The pure-blood took everything from her, or so it seemed. Hayate was dead because of Zenith's familiar, the Headmaster was dead because of Zenith personally. It seemed that death followed the pure-blood. What had her curiosity though, was why he had did it.
"It's always the quiet ones you need to keep an eye on," she muttered before stopping in front of a class room door. She peered inside, spotting the white-haired pure-blood off in the back and took a deep breath. She could do this, if only for a few more hours. They were only to watch over him during classes and such. She wasn't needed to escort him back to his chambers or something like that. If he required an escort, then Sora or Haruka could handle that. She furrowed her brows as she began to frustrate herself. It wasn't going to do her any good to be frustrated in a class of vampires though. She regained her composure and entered the room. For an odd feeling, it felt as if she belonged in this class. Like she needed to be here. It was an odd feeling for sure, and she wasn't sure what to make of it. Instead, she made a bee-line for the white-haired vampire and took a seat to his side.
"Rosenkreuz" she stated to alert the pure-blood of her presence. Her eyes remained in front of her, refusing to glance at the pure-blood. She was afraid to do so. She wasn't sure what she would do if she were ever to glance at the pure-bloods eyes again. She resented him for everything, and yet, fluttering words echoed through her mind. They were parting words of her Uncle before she had left for Cross Academy, two years ago. With that in mind, she finally allowed her eyes to glance at the pure-blood, resting on him as he glanced out the window.
āThank you, Ms. Yamazaki.ā She grunted in response, not feeling up to talking to him anymore than she already had today, and instead finished her food just in time for the bell to ring. All of the students started to move out at once, like a pack moving as one, it was actually rather interesting. āI will return to my class. Mr. Tsukino would join me soon enough. You should return to yours as well. Until then, Ms. Yamazaki.ā Haruka met his gaze steadily before he turned and walked away. The red head ground her teeth together in annoyance. "Don't call me that," She hissed after him, through he was most likely already out of ear shot, and caused a few of the Day Class students and one Night Class student to edge away from her nervously. Haruka was silently fuming. She didn't like being called by her last name, anyone with eyes could see that, sure he was just trying to be polite, but what was the point? He had nearly killed her, and he was still trying to be polite. If Haruka didn't know better, she'd think he would need to be given a straight jacket and some good electric therapy before she should be allowed back into this Academy, in fact, whats most likely what he needed, a straight jacket and a padded cell.
A hand suddenly landed on Haruka's shoulder, making her tense before relaxing as the familiar voice filled her senses. "Haru-chan, you can go now. I'll take over from here. Sora is outside somewhere so if you want to train with him for a bit, all you have to do is call him. Or if you want to actually attend class, I'll leave that up to you. Don't worry about Rosenkreuz, I have you covered," Haruka felt most of the tension leave her body, other than the build up that was filling her mind from being back in this academy for so long, and nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Asu-chan," Haruka tried her best to return her bright smile, but it turned out empty and broken, and all at once, she was left alone in the cafeteria. Haru sighed quietly and pulled out her phone. She only had two contacts in it earlier this morning, Asuka's and the old Headmasters(she knew it was a disconnected number, but she didn't have the heart to remove it)but now, she had a third number added to her contacts.
The red head's eye twitched in annoyance before she quickly texted Sora and told him she was going to class. It was a lie through. Instead of going to her class, like she should have, she found herself in front of the memorial that had been built for everyone that had died during the Academy's massacre. Like earlier that day, she found herself tracing the headmasters name, the same feeling welling up inside of her chest. Haruka hadn't cried since that day, even when she watched him be lowered into his grave, she didn't cry, she had turned off her emotions and everything that came with them, she held herself together by promising to herself that she would never return to this Academy, but she had, she had broken that promise, and now she was here, and everything around her dared to mess with her reality, everything around her made it seem like that day had never happened, through in front of this memorial, this slab with too many named upon it, this was the only proof that was offered to her, and it broke her heart all over again. The feeling over whelmed her, and before Haruka even understood what was happening, warm tears were sliding down her dry face.
Slowly, she raised her free hand to her cheek, a surprised look marring her face for a moment before the now damp hand clapped over her mouth, muffling the sound of the hopeless sobs that escaped her, and she doubled over as if someone had just punched her in the gut. Her other hand held onto the memorial for dear life, like it was the only thing keeping her alive, and she let the tears fall. It had been so long, so many sleepless nights, so many nightmares, it had been so many days since she had cried, since she had felt it all swell up inside of her, and now she felt like the tears would never stop. Haru felt the pain all over again, she felt like her heart was being ripped from her chest once more, she felt empty again, only two things were different this time. This time there was no one to comfort her, and this time, she forced herself to stay standing. "I'm so sorry..." She choked out between sobs, it was true when she said that she blamed herself for what had happened, even if it wasn't her fault. Haruka would always blame herself for not being there when he died, even if he had been doomed to death in a week, at least then she would have been able to sit there and hold his hand, but she hadn't even been there in his last few seconds of life, she never got to say goodbye. "I'm so sorry..." She managed to get the words out one more time before her legs gave out and she landed on her knees in front of the memorial as if she were begging for someone to forgive her.
|āIn a world so silent and still, I found comfort but when I hear your voice, it had become a sanctuary.ā|
So silent. It was something that Zenith was used to ever since he had come to this world. On the occasion it will be pierced, he held no displeasure when it was done by his sister. In any case, he felt comfort in such a frozen state. It was like nothing else mattered. There was no one else but him. Completely alone in a realm that holds nonexistent objects which is indistinctly related to him. Just like that, he let the flowing scenes of his past consumed him until reality brings him to the present. Inside his mind, he return to the time where he shared a rather interesting conversation with Amalthea. At the same time, he found it to be precisely correct in regards to him. His sister does know him well.
At the same time, he recalled the words that Yamazaki called out to him as he left. She does not like being called by him. Specifically, the way she addresses him. In all of his dealings with countless people, he would always call them by their surnames. There was nothing special to it and was done out of his inherent politeness. One could say it had become his habit. The only ones he had called by name was Amalthea and Alice. There might not be something profound in that but, the white-haired pure-blood only does this to very specific people. If Yamazaki does not want to be call in such manner. He would simply not address her anymore.
From the background, he could hear a few gasps and whispers. It would seem that something or someone had taken their attention and had created a curiosity among his kind. Without even the need to call him, he was already aware who had arrived. This was due to the familiar and unique scent emitting from the mysterious person. Why is that so? It is a reason that he kept sealed within his tightly locked box. At the same time, it was something he had not thought about very meticulously yet. He had expected it to be Tsukino. After all, he was a pure-blood and would be the most logical choice in regards to his accompaniment during class. Instead, he was with her.
Hearing his name, those amber eyes were once revealed as he opened them to be seen. He knew well that Fujiwara has the right to be desiring his death. It was also the same with Yamazaki and could be applied to Tsukino. He had declared it to them a year and a half ago. From that point on, he will be their enemy. There was no more turning back at least for him. This is what he had decided upon. In any case, he simply remained in that position as he looked at the scenery available to him through the window. After a few minutes, he directed his eyes to Fujiwara who was looking at him. Memories from a not so distant time returned to him.
She cut her signature long hair probably for a new life. Her new hairstyle suited her this much he could say. But remembering the words for thought, a woman cuts her hair to be relieved of her problems. It was a sign that says to take responsibility. . However, it did not go as planned. Well, this is how life is. There are no instants or immediate response. Dismissing such thoughts for now, he looked at the one now beside him. Tsukino had taken the seat behind him but she did not. Those empty golden eyes met her eyes without a means to see through him.
There was something different about her. Another scent was overlapping with hers. He knew to whom it belonged to. This much he had concluded earlier. There was again that pang in him. At the same time, the creeping hunger that was making its way out from its cage. Of course, this was not seen in his face or any form of gestures. He remained calm, unreadable, and distant in every sense of the word. Nothing can be seen on the surface but it will never be the same on the inside. His attention did not leave Fujiwara. Silence dragged on before the white-haired pure-blood spoke to acknowledge Asuka's presence.
āMs. Fujiwara." Zenith said first and then he diverted his eyes to the front of the classroom. Everyone was looking at them. For what reason, they had no idea. The teacher was also slightly intimidated by his mere presence. Looking around, he could say that everyone was here and no one was absent. This was indeed a good thing. It means the classes will begin but, it had yet to be. As for the pure-blood, he took out a small container of his blood pills and took at one. He just needed to silence the haunting desire to feed. After wards, he reached for the water bottle that Yamazaki gave him earlier.
Opening it, he drank its content as the blood pills were disintegrated inside his mouth. It was not delicious or appetizing at all. One could compare it to a bitter medicine to be taken. Furthermore, there are these memories of various individuals conglomerating into one mosaic. They were redundant but taking the blood pills were never pleasant. It was the same for any vampire especially him who had constantly drank blood for the past year and a half. It was only now he had returned to taking the alternative food of his kind. Once, he was settled down. Those eyes of amber remained looking ahead of him even when he spoke. āIt is time for the class to begin."
Immediately, the teacher awkwardly started. It would appear they were waiting on him. Zenith had no intention to mandate or to influence the actions around him. After all, he only does things on his own personal goal and belief. So, there are times he finds such happenings a bit unneeded. It is true he was the ruler of his kind as of now. But right now, he was simply a student. Removing his eyes from the front, he subtly glanced at Fujiwara. Catching a glimpse of her neck, he wondered if Tsukino had tasted her blood. Somehow, he found such an endeavor normal and acceptable. But then again, he also felt a strange sense of emotion. It was more known to many as certain irritation. Still, this was not enough to break his emotionless face nor did his eyes show any feelings. Instead, he averted his eyes once more and focused himself to what was being discussed by the teacher. But, there were certain words that echoed at the back of his head. Yes, words that made a great difference which had rippled to now.
At the same time, he recalled the words that Yamazaki called out to him as he left. She does not like being called by him. Specifically, the way she addresses him. In all of his dealings with countless people, he would always call them by their surnames. There was nothing special to it and was done out of his inherent politeness. One could say it had become his habit. The only ones he had called by name was Amalthea and Alice. There might not be something profound in that but, the white-haired pure-blood only does this to very specific people. If Yamazaki does not want to be call in such manner. He would simply not address her anymore.
From the background, he could hear a few gasps and whispers. It would seem that something or someone had taken their attention and had created a curiosity among his kind. Without even the need to call him, he was already aware who had arrived. This was due to the familiar and unique scent emitting from the mysterious person. Why is that so? It is a reason that he kept sealed within his tightly locked box. At the same time, it was something he had not thought about very meticulously yet. He had expected it to be Tsukino. After all, he was a pure-blood and would be the most logical choice in regards to his accompaniment during class. Instead, he was with her.
Hearing his name, those amber eyes were once revealed as he opened them to be seen. He knew well that Fujiwara has the right to be desiring his death. It was also the same with Yamazaki and could be applied to Tsukino. He had declared it to them a year and a half ago. From that point on, he will be their enemy. There was no more turning back at least for him. This is what he had decided upon. In any case, he simply remained in that position as he looked at the scenery available to him through the window. After a few minutes, he directed his eyes to Fujiwara who was looking at him. Memories from a not so distant time returned to him.
She cut her signature long hair probably for a new life. Her new hairstyle suited her this much he could say. But remembering the words for thought, a woman cuts her hair to be relieved of her problems. It was a sign that says to take responsibility. . However, it did not go as planned. Well, this is how life is. There are no instants or immediate response. Dismissing such thoughts for now, he looked at the one now beside him. Tsukino had taken the seat behind him but she did not. Those empty golden eyes met her eyes without a means to see through him.
There was something different about her. Another scent was overlapping with hers. He knew to whom it belonged to. This much he had concluded earlier. There was again that pang in him. At the same time, the creeping hunger that was making its way out from its cage. Of course, this was not seen in his face or any form of gestures. He remained calm, unreadable, and distant in every sense of the word. Nothing can be seen on the surface but it will never be the same on the inside. His attention did not leave Fujiwara. Silence dragged on before the white-haired pure-blood spoke to acknowledge Asuka's presence.
āMs. Fujiwara." Zenith said first and then he diverted his eyes to the front of the classroom. Everyone was looking at them. For what reason, they had no idea. The teacher was also slightly intimidated by his mere presence. Looking around, he could say that everyone was here and no one was absent. This was indeed a good thing. It means the classes will begin but, it had yet to be. As for the pure-blood, he took out a small container of his blood pills and took at one. He just needed to silence the haunting desire to feed. After wards, he reached for the water bottle that Yamazaki gave him earlier.
Opening it, he drank its content as the blood pills were disintegrated inside his mouth. It was not delicious or appetizing at all. One could compare it to a bitter medicine to be taken. Furthermore, there are these memories of various individuals conglomerating into one mosaic. They were redundant but taking the blood pills were never pleasant. It was the same for any vampire especially him who had constantly drank blood for the past year and a half. It was only now he had returned to taking the alternative food of his kind. Once, he was settled down. Those eyes of amber remained looking ahead of him even when he spoke. āIt is time for the class to begin."
Immediately, the teacher awkwardly started. It would appear they were waiting on him. Zenith had no intention to mandate or to influence the actions around him. After all, he only does things on his own personal goal and belief. So, there are times he finds such happenings a bit unneeded. It is true he was the ruler of his kind as of now. But right now, he was simply a student. Removing his eyes from the front, he subtly glanced at Fujiwara. Catching a glimpse of her neck, he wondered if Tsukino had tasted her blood. Somehow, he found such an endeavor normal and acceptable. But then again, he also felt a strange sense of emotion. It was more known to many as certain irritation. Still, this was not enough to break his emotionless face nor did his eyes show any feelings. Instead, he averted his eyes once more and focused himself to what was being discussed by the teacher. But, there were certain words that echoed at the back of his head. Yes, words that made a great difference which had rippled to now.
"In my memories you remain alive. But being near the one who is responsible for your death is hard. I can't breathe."
She felt like she was suffocating. She hadn't missed the surprised whispers and gasps from the other vampires when she entered the room. After all, she was supposed to be human to their senses. It wasn't out of place for her to be there though. She knew of vampires, so whatever they learned, it would be nothing new to Asuka. As such, her staring contest with the Rosenkreuz pure-blood remained as such until he glanced away after acknowledging her. She rested her eyes to the teacher in front of them who had yet to begin the lecture. Was he waiting for something? That question was immediately answered by Zenith when he addressed the teacher. Class should have began the moment everyone was in the classroom. Sure, Sora hadn't returned, but that was part of being a prefect. She knew that all too well from her solo campaign. She sighed as she leaned her head onto her hand, staring at the black board with a blank expression.
She tried her best to ignore the pure-blood as she kept her mind focused on her job. She was just there for the class until it ended. From there, he was to return to his dorm or attend whatever after school activities he was apart of. She highly doubted he was apart of anything. For one, the male often fell asleep occasionally, and for two, it wouldn't be wise of him after what he did. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. The room felt crowded, almost as if it were not big enough to house all of the students in the room. Silently, she rubbed her throat. Her thirst was scratching at the back again, and she hated it. After that incident with Sora, it had been satiated for a bit, but then it came back. It was as if she never had the blood to begin with, and she wanted to go insane. The blood pills she had managed to occupy did little to nothing for her and she only grew frustrated. She had fed on another vampire once, right before she killed him. His blood did nothing for her so she relied on the blood pills for a bit longer.
She combed her hand through her shortened locks, smiling fondly at the piece that was still slightly curled. Sora had curled it before she left him. She curled it around her own finger and smiled softly. Slowly, she could feel a light slumber over coming her. The teacher wasn't talking about anything interesting, just how things were progressing with the blood pills and other non-whimsical things that the Day Class students were not taught. After all, a vampire has nothing but time on his or her hands and they could learn everything only to have to be taught the new that would happen again in a few centuries or decades if they are lucky. She fought off the slumber spell and directed her attention out the window, avoiding Zenith's form in the process. The sun was still high in the sky and she could see Snow perched outside of the window on the tree. She smiled at the bird, causing a few stares in the process as she ignored them. They were not her concern and as such, they didn't matter.
The only one that mattered at the moment was the one next to her. And the only reason for that was because she was his body-guard. Her mind drifted to her cousin. He had hated vampires so much that she had seen the light go out in his eyes. His beautiful smile had become but a straight line and when he did smile, there was no beauty. Perhaps, even if he didn't deserve to die the way he did, perhaps he was at peace now. Perhaps he can find some solace in death that he couldn't find in life. If she kept this up, would she turn out just like he did? Granted she was angry. Any person would be angry and desire revenge for the death of a loved one. She knew without a fact that if she was the one who was killed, Hayate would not have hesitated in seeking revenge. She pushed those thoughts out of her mind. She didn't need to be thinking of something like that, not while in such a close proximity to the cause of it all.
She glanced at the pure-blood once more. He had been different in her eyes in so many ways, but now, she didn't know what to make of him. She had thought that she could perhaps be his friend or something close to it. But because she was the sole prefect of the academy at the time, it was hard to make friends in general. Vampires and humans feared her because of her reputation as a strict prefect. Now, she had at least two friends: Haruka and Sora. With Sora though, she couldn't determine her feelings and whether or not it was just a mere passing of the wind. Her thoughts had never strayed too far from the black-haired vampire, even with the year and a half lapse that divided them. She still thought of him and whether he was okay or if something had happened to him. He had become an important part of her world, and for some reason, she had Zenith to thank for that. If it wasn't for him, she wouldn't have had the chance to have a new friend.
But he's much more than a friend, isn't he, she heard Snow's teasing voice. She furrowed her brows at that comment. Of course he was a friend. What else could he be? You know full well what I mean Asuka. Silly girl, he continued as he kept his eyes closed. He knew she was doing her current duty, but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun while she was working. Even as such, he wanted to distract her thoughts away from the white-haired vampire. He was the source of her pain, and although he knew eventually, probably in due time, she would forgive him. She wasn't the type to keep hold of a grudge against someone even if they had wronged her. It was part of her flawed nature. Although she wouldn't forgive him any time soon. As such, she allowed her thoughts to drift into a sweet oblivion. She was so tired though and it felt as if she had been up for the last three days. So, instead of staying up for the lecture, she would allow a few minutes of sleep to over come her. It wasn't like she needed to learn what the vampires were learning to begin with. She laid her head across her arms, turning so that she could feel the warmth of the sun peaking through the open window across her face.
|āA monster as selfish as I am, does not deserve anything but the destruction I can inflict. It is why every day, I know I am fading into the oblivion I chose. So, remain there where I cannot reach for you.ā|
If he would be asked about the lecture being delivered, it was completely mundane and rather repetitive. He was no longer interested hearing the rest. Perhaps, it was because he had heard of it many times. Being the official leader of the vampire society, he had been oriented and been informed of anything that can affect his kind whether by minor or major levels. It was very different from what he had been used to. Before, all he knew was centered around his sister and the enchanted lands of his clan. Outside, he could be considered an infant in terms of understanding and knowledge. But now, he could no longer have that especially with the measures, he had taken into his hand personally. The rock he had thrown into the pond had not only caused ripples. It had created a wave that removed all of its water. Still, his face remained unreadable and hauntingly distant about everything around him.
Although, he does find the new arrangements to be quite more normal yet more dangerous. Day Class and Night Class sharing the same building at once with just different wings. There would be more chances for something wrong to happen. But, he was certain that the new and old prefects can handle that on their own. At the same time, he could sense that some of the vampires find the new schedules a tad annoying. After all, noble vampires and those lower than that are a bit sensitive to sunlight. So, one could see that most from the night class had umbrellas with them to prevent irritation to the light.
The said filtering sunlight was reflected upon his snow-white hair. As such, he appeared to have a heavenly halo as his crown. Of course, those who knew personally of what he had done would find this entirely offensive and unfitting. He was no angel nor was he a saint. This person was a being wholly crafted by the darkness. But then again, his subtle show of compassion and even tad politeness will contradict this description. In the end, he was a puzzle, a riddle, a mystery which had been deemed as unsolvable. Just like that, his thoughts lingered on different matters. There was the meeting with the Hunter Association President. The man appeared so familiar to him and then again, he was not.
Then, there was the meeting with the new Headmaster. A man he had met on the school festival. Hughes Jackson, he had acknowledged their interaction. But other than that, there was nothing more. But, Zenith remembered those insinuating words that had been spoken to him. He had been warned of the possibility of him pulling someone into the clutches of darkness. There was more to that man than what he shows people. Thinking about it, they were the same. He wears a mask that showcases nothing as for the new Headmaster, the man wears a mask of casual amicability and sweet words. It was for certain something was bound to happen again.
He was slightly disturbed from his thoughts due to another presence. This was none other than the white owl which was owned by Fujiwara. So, it was the reason for her smiles or perhaps, there was more to that. Even when he was in deep thought, he had noticed her playing with a curled lock of hers. It was good she could still smile like that with all that had she had to endure. Most of it, he had caused. He then remembered her telling him once to smile saying it would be better. But, that was nothing more but a memory never to happen again. Moreover, there was nothing he could smile about unlike her, Tsukino, and Yamazaki. He believed those three were still a blinding light like none other and that is where they should stay.
Looking at the water bottle, it had been given to him by Yamazaki. It was really odd and awkward to be around them again. He had expected for them to never return here. They were showing him polite decorum and keeping their anger and questions at bay. It is why he had come back knowing full well, they will be far from his reach. However, this one detail that Alice did not choose to share with him. Closing his eyes, he had an inkling to go somewhere after classes. A place where he could think by himself and carve something. It was then he recalled that he had given Yamazaki one of his creations. He wondered if it had been thrown away. It was understandable if the girl had made scrap of it.
Returning to the lingering issues in his mind, Zenith recalled that most had asked of him to take a wife. It is why for the past months. Various nobles and even pure-blood families would seek an audience with him. They were introducing their daughters to him like merchandise to choose from. He did not see anything pleasant about that. Moreover, Alice had been very keen in reproaching them. He did not mind. Starting a family of his own or making sure his bloodline continues, they were matters he never thought about ever since Amalthea was gone to him. All he could think about was to accomplish his wish with never breaking the sanctity of his promise.
A fiancƩe was someone who would be dragged into his darkness. He had no heart to do that despite how people were portraying him now and his dastardly deeds. However... the pure-blood glanced to his side and saw that Fujiwara had fallen asleep. He had seen her like this before. It would be odd to say but he found comfort in hearing the steady and rhythmic sound of her breathing and stable beating of her heart. Better yet, it was more beautiful than the music she could produce from her violin. Of course, he would not tell her this. There was no use saying such things. They will only bring unnecessary confusion. It was enough for her and the others to think of him as a silent demon.
Removing his jacket, he placed around her shoulders as a makeshift blanket. Some of the night class were watching him and were speaking in such hush whispers. Zenith looked at them with those indiscernible golden eyes of his and placed a finger upon his lips. He wanted to be quiet as not to disturbed the sleeping girl. They immediately followed and turned back their attention to the teacher who was now speaking in a more mellow voice. Looking back at Fujiwara, he was slowly reaching for some of her bangs falling on her face. He had intended to tuck it away but, he stopped midway. Letting his hand return to his side, there was no need for him. He had already said his goodbye to her on that night.
Standing so silently from his seat, he met the inquiring eyes of the teacher. He simply gave a small nod and made his way out of the room as if a ghost with no sound. Zenith did not want to wake the girl or be informed of his disappearance. Furthermore, he knew she will be fine. Her owl was there and his jacket will ensure she was not to be touched haphazardly. Because right now, he needed to get away as he walked along the hallways without a definite destination. The thirst was present once more as he instinctively placed his hand around his throat. Turning around a corner, he leaned on a wall and closed his eyes for a moment. Removing his hand from his neck, he stood there with still a blank expression. āAmalthea... I understand now."
Although, he does find the new arrangements to be quite more normal yet more dangerous. Day Class and Night Class sharing the same building at once with just different wings. There would be more chances for something wrong to happen. But, he was certain that the new and old prefects can handle that on their own. At the same time, he could sense that some of the vampires find the new schedules a tad annoying. After all, noble vampires and those lower than that are a bit sensitive to sunlight. So, one could see that most from the night class had umbrellas with them to prevent irritation to the light.
The said filtering sunlight was reflected upon his snow-white hair. As such, he appeared to have a heavenly halo as his crown. Of course, those who knew personally of what he had done would find this entirely offensive and unfitting. He was no angel nor was he a saint. This person was a being wholly crafted by the darkness. But then again, his subtle show of compassion and even tad politeness will contradict this description. In the end, he was a puzzle, a riddle, a mystery which had been deemed as unsolvable. Just like that, his thoughts lingered on different matters. There was the meeting with the Hunter Association President. The man appeared so familiar to him and then again, he was not.
Then, there was the meeting with the new Headmaster. A man he had met on the school festival. Hughes Jackson, he had acknowledged their interaction. But other than that, there was nothing more. But, Zenith remembered those insinuating words that had been spoken to him. He had been warned of the possibility of him pulling someone into the clutches of darkness. There was more to that man than what he shows people. Thinking about it, they were the same. He wears a mask that showcases nothing as for the new Headmaster, the man wears a mask of casual amicability and sweet words. It was for certain something was bound to happen again.
He was slightly disturbed from his thoughts due to another presence. This was none other than the white owl which was owned by Fujiwara. So, it was the reason for her smiles or perhaps, there was more to that. Even when he was in deep thought, he had noticed her playing with a curled lock of hers. It was good she could still smile like that with all that had she had to endure. Most of it, he had caused. He then remembered her telling him once to smile saying it would be better. But, that was nothing more but a memory never to happen again. Moreover, there was nothing he could smile about unlike her, Tsukino, and Yamazaki. He believed those three were still a blinding light like none other and that is where they should stay.
Looking at the water bottle, it had been given to him by Yamazaki. It was really odd and awkward to be around them again. He had expected for them to never return here. They were showing him polite decorum and keeping their anger and questions at bay. It is why he had come back knowing full well, they will be far from his reach. However, this one detail that Alice did not choose to share with him. Closing his eyes, he had an inkling to go somewhere after classes. A place where he could think by himself and carve something. It was then he recalled that he had given Yamazaki one of his creations. He wondered if it had been thrown away. It was understandable if the girl had made scrap of it.
Returning to the lingering issues in his mind, Zenith recalled that most had asked of him to take a wife. It is why for the past months. Various nobles and even pure-blood families would seek an audience with him. They were introducing their daughters to him like merchandise to choose from. He did not see anything pleasant about that. Moreover, Alice had been very keen in reproaching them. He did not mind. Starting a family of his own or making sure his bloodline continues, they were matters he never thought about ever since Amalthea was gone to him. All he could think about was to accomplish his wish with never breaking the sanctity of his promise.
A fiancƩe was someone who would be dragged into his darkness. He had no heart to do that despite how people were portraying him now and his dastardly deeds. However... the pure-blood glanced to his side and saw that Fujiwara had fallen asleep. He had seen her like this before. It would be odd to say but he found comfort in hearing the steady and rhythmic sound of her breathing and stable beating of her heart. Better yet, it was more beautiful than the music she could produce from her violin. Of course, he would not tell her this. There was no use saying such things. They will only bring unnecessary confusion. It was enough for her and the others to think of him as a silent demon.
Removing his jacket, he placed around her shoulders as a makeshift blanket. Some of the night class were watching him and were speaking in such hush whispers. Zenith looked at them with those indiscernible golden eyes of his and placed a finger upon his lips. He wanted to be quiet as not to disturbed the sleeping girl. They immediately followed and turned back their attention to the teacher who was now speaking in a more mellow voice. Looking back at Fujiwara, he was slowly reaching for some of her bangs falling on her face. He had intended to tuck it away but, he stopped midway. Letting his hand return to his side, there was no need for him. He had already said his goodbye to her on that night.
Standing so silently from his seat, he met the inquiring eyes of the teacher. He simply gave a small nod and made his way out of the room as if a ghost with no sound. Zenith did not want to wake the girl or be informed of his disappearance. Furthermore, he knew she will be fine. Her owl was there and his jacket will ensure she was not to be touched haphazardly. Because right now, he needed to get away as he walked along the hallways without a definite destination. The thirst was present once more as he instinctively placed his hand around his throat. Turning around a corner, he leaned on a wall and closed his eyes for a moment. Removing his hand from his neck, he stood there with still a blank expression. āAmalthea... I understand now."
"It's because I'm afraid for you."
"Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution. Is it possible to show kindness to the one responsible for so much despair?"
The steady beating of her heart would have notified those who could hear it's rhythm that she was indeed asleep. Even as something warm embraced her, she made no notion to move, instead wrapping the cloth closer to her. She enjoyed the new-found warmth as she kept her eyes closed. She was in a deep sleep, despite trying to make it light. She was indeed tired. Then, a peculiar scent filled her senses as she slowly opened her eyes, regretting it slightly when she was blinded by the light. Odd, he should have been blocking it. It was then she noticed he was gone. She cursed to herself as she glanced around, her eyes relaying the unasked question. She locked eyes with a few of the Night Class students, however; none of them made to answer the hidden question.
There was no point in being in a classroom where the one she was charged with guarding was not present as well. She stood from her spot, grasping onto the make-shift blanket subconsciously and walked out of the door. It was then that she noticed whom it belonged to. After all, the scent that covered it was undoubtedly his. He was the only one who could produce something so similar to roses. Personally, she didn't like the smell of roses. It irritated her senses and often times she thought she was allergic to it, however; this particular scent she had once found intriguing. She had often wondered what his blood would taste like, but that wasn't for her to do so. She was supposed to be playing the part of a human. She sighed, running a hand through her shortened locks.
She needed to find him, so she would follow the scent that was slowly fading away. It wouldn't take her long to find him, so she walked slowly. She wasn't in a rush to find the pure-blood, although she should find him soon. There was a reason why they wanted to keep an eye on him, and she had royally screwed herself when she fell asleep. She furrowed her brows in frustration and pursed her lips together. Her thoughts drifted as she peered into the various classrooms, watching as some of the students listened intently to their teachers. Why did it seem so peaceful? It was as if nothing had ever happened and she was just patrolling the hallways as she always did. But she knew that it wasn't the same.
Her mind drifted to Hayate. In some twisted way, she was grateful towards the pure-blood in ending his life. He was drifting away, and Asuka could see it. There was nothing left of Hayate, but just a husk of a man who once was. His anger, his need for revenge had shaped him in the person who he was. Would she follow the same path if she kept this anger buried in her heart? Would she become just like Hayate and lose everything around her? That thought caused her heart to clench painfully. She didn't want to lose any one else. She didn't want to feel that helpless again, nor watch as those she loved suffered. She wanted to save Hayate, but didn't know how. Would he finally know peace now that he was dead? She hoped he would.
She pushed those thoughts from her mind. She didn't need to think of Hayate in that way. He was still her cousin,her brother whom she loved dearly. Losing him and her uncle felt as if a part of her had slowly died. She inherited her Uncle's house, and being in the place they once shared as a family had been hard on her. She had decided to leave it as it was and began her career as a hunter. She hasn't visited the home since. In a way, she was happy to have been at the age where she no longer needed a legal guardian, otherwise she would have been forced back with her mother.
The woman hadn't even shown her face for the funeral of her brother and nephew. It caused Asuka to wonder if her mother even cared about her family. She scoffed lightly to herself. Of course the woman did not. If she had, she would have raised Asuka herself, despite being what she was. Come to think of it, he was the first to know what she was. She had only ever told her uncle and cousin, but that night, she had given that information to another. Although it wasn't by force, but by a necessity. He was injured to the point where it would prove almost fatal if he hadn't taken blood. She couldn't risk him attacking a student that night and turning the student into a vampire in the process. It was the reason why she offered him her blood.
His poison wouldn't have affected her. She would remain as she was, a being caught in between. She had no light, no darkness. It was something she had come to grasp tightly to. She didn't fit in the darkness, nor did she fit in the light. Eventually, she would have to choose a side, but for now, she would remain hovering in between. She pushed the thoughts from her mind as she finally found the one she was looking for. He was leaning against a wall and seemed to have whispered something to himself. Whatever it was, Asuka had not heard. She was too engrossed with her own thoughts. Instead, she stood in front of him, her clutch on his jacket still firm as she stared at him, jade meeting gold.
"You cannot take off like that. There is a reason why they want us to be your guard. For whatever other reason, it is my job to keep you safe right now," she stated, finally releasing the jacket and pulling it from her form. She handed it back to the pure-blood. "Thank you for this, but I am in no longer need of it's services. I shouldn't have fallen asleep in the first place," she continued as she gave the jacket back. It was slightly true, she shouldn't have fallen asleep on her job. Despite the vampires being fearful of their new leader, she believed without a doubt, that there would be someone foolish enough to try and attempt to take the pure-blood's life. They couldn't have that, not with the treaty being as delicate as it was. Her mind seemed to flash back to that night. He had spoken two words that night before he partook in her blood.
Forgive me, it was like a mantra that kept repeating itself over and over again. Forgiveness, could she provide it now to this person, this thing, this monster? She hated him so much for what he had did, but even then, hatred would never get her anywhere. It would only hold her back and consume her until she became like Hayate. She didn't want that. She couldn't have that. She had promised herself she would never turn out like Hayate, no matter how the world wronged her, she would continue to love it. She turned her gaze away from the pure-blood, glancing around to make sure there was no one around. Satisfied, she then returned her attention back to the white-haired vampire.
"Zenith," she started, calling him by his first name in the process. "You had asked me to forgive you that night," she continued. Even though this was a different scenario, those words still plagued her. Instead, she grabbed his hand in her own, unsure of why she had before releasing it. "I am not sure if I can, but," she paused. She searched through her mind, trying to find the right words. "I will not become my cousin. Keeping this hatred, this desire locked inside, I will not let it become a part of me." she finished. It was her own resolve, one that she would keep. Maybe, in due time she truly would forgive him. She shook her head lightly. She was so thirsty for some odd reason. She had lied when she told Sora that she had it in check. It was in fact the complete opposite.
It still clawed at the back of her throat, but now it was intensified. His blood had sated it for a while, but then it came back ten-fold. He wasn't around and she wasn't going to ask for his blood. She had tried drinking another vampire's blood, but found it did little to nothing for her. She knew for a fact that she would never have her thirst kept in check. She couldn't understand why, and she had even tried to ask a few vampires about how to contain it, however; because she was human, they never answered her. She had grown frustrated over the few months with the lackluster of answers to the never ending questions that plagued her. She pushed it to the back of her mind as she turned her back to the pure-blood.
"Since it is my job as your escort and guard, is there anything I can do to be of service?" she stated. Although the underlying message behind that statement was conspicuous.
āA man pulled in two directions will go little distance in either.ā
Sora had taken a while to himself, choosing to wait for his physiology to revert to its usual nature before he returned to his room, gathered a few things, then started a round, just to keep himself busy. As everyone was in class, he only had to deal with a few people attempting to be truant, and most of those went scuttling back where they belonged when he found them. Yamazaki was among those not where she should be, but he left her alone, choosing not to alert her to his presence.
When the passing period came around, he made his way to where Rosenkreuz was supposed to be, running across the vampire talking with Fujiwara in the hallway. He caught fragments of the conversation on the way there, but in the end, it wasnāt really any of his business, and so when he spoke, he behaved as though heād heard none of it. āClass is over for the whole day, so I figured you could use two of us, just in case.ā Things were bound to be more chaotic than they were at lunch, where at least most people had the reasonable goal of eating. Without anything else to be doing in particular, they were free to mill about as they likedā¦ or try offing the so-called leader of the vampires, if they were so inclined. It was his job to prevent that, so here he was.
āAnywhere you want to go?ā he asked the white-haired man, raising a brow just slightly to accompany the question.
Outside, Sachiko and Kaede were taking a walk when they happened upon a most somber scene: Haruka was on her knees in front of the memorial to the dead. The two other women stopped short, and while Sachiko looked on sadly, unsure if the girl would appreciate being approached, Kaede held no such reservations, tightening her grip slightly on Midori (whoād found her way back from Sora eventually) and daring to venture forward.
āHaruka-san?ā She ventured gently, unsure if her intrusion would be welcome or not. Midori jumped down, settling herself on the redheaded humanās shoulder. For a moment, there was silence, and then Kaede, ever the brave girl that she was, tried again.
āSora-kun told me about what happened. About why they built the memorial here. I guessā¦ I guess you must have known a lot of the people who died. Iām really sorry; nobody should ever have to go through something like that.ā She sounded like she knew more than she wanted to about what she was talking about. Tentatively, she crouched beside Haruka, placing a small hand on the girlās shoulder.
āItās never easy, really, but it hurts less, with timeā¦ and friends.ā The only reasons sheād ever stopped crying about her parents was because Sora and Sachiko had been thereāwithout them, her mind would doubtless have shattered into tiny pieces, like something made of glass or clockwork or porcelain. āSometimesā¦ it helps to talk about it. If you ever want to talk to me, or maybe to tell me stories about who you lost, Iā¦ I would listen.ā She dared a small smile, then stood up again, reading the names on the memorial and wondering about who those poor people had been. All of them had bee someoneās child, and some of them were brothers or sisters as well. Maybe a few were lovers, or husbands or wives, or parents, even.
So many, and none of them would ever come into their potential, or have a chance to do great things, or even a chance to live or smile or cry. Sometimes, she wanted to live forever, just so that she could smile and cry as many times as she could for all the people who couldnātā¦ but she knew that was a silly thought. Sachiko had told her that those who live for such a long time eventually started to forget how to smile truly. Kaede had no reason to doubt her on that.
When the passing period came around, he made his way to where Rosenkreuz was supposed to be, running across the vampire talking with Fujiwara in the hallway. He caught fragments of the conversation on the way there, but in the end, it wasnāt really any of his business, and so when he spoke, he behaved as though heād heard none of it. āClass is over for the whole day, so I figured you could use two of us, just in case.ā Things were bound to be more chaotic than they were at lunch, where at least most people had the reasonable goal of eating. Without anything else to be doing in particular, they were free to mill about as they likedā¦ or try offing the so-called leader of the vampires, if they were so inclined. It was his job to prevent that, so here he was.
āAnywhere you want to go?ā he asked the white-haired man, raising a brow just slightly to accompany the question.
Outside, Sachiko and Kaede were taking a walk when they happened upon a most somber scene: Haruka was on her knees in front of the memorial to the dead. The two other women stopped short, and while Sachiko looked on sadly, unsure if the girl would appreciate being approached, Kaede held no such reservations, tightening her grip slightly on Midori (whoād found her way back from Sora eventually) and daring to venture forward.
āHaruka-san?ā She ventured gently, unsure if her intrusion would be welcome or not. Midori jumped down, settling herself on the redheaded humanās shoulder. For a moment, there was silence, and then Kaede, ever the brave girl that she was, tried again.
āSora-kun told me about what happened. About why they built the memorial here. I guessā¦ I guess you must have known a lot of the people who died. Iām really sorry; nobody should ever have to go through something like that.ā She sounded like she knew more than she wanted to about what she was talking about. Tentatively, she crouched beside Haruka, placing a small hand on the girlās shoulder.
āItās never easy, really, but it hurts less, with timeā¦ and friends.ā The only reasons sheād ever stopped crying about her parents was because Sora and Sachiko had been thereāwithout them, her mind would doubtless have shattered into tiny pieces, like something made of glass or clockwork or porcelain. āSometimesā¦ it helps to talk about it. If you ever want to talk to me, or maybe to tell me stories about who you lost, Iā¦ I would listen.ā She dared a small smile, then stood up again, reading the names on the memorial and wondering about who those poor people had been. All of them had bee someoneās child, and some of them were brothers or sisters as well. Maybe a few were lovers, or husbands or wives, or parents, even.
So many, and none of them would ever come into their potential, or have a chance to do great things, or even a chance to live or smile or cry. Sometimes, she wanted to live forever, just so that she could smile and cry as many times as she could for all the people who couldnātā¦ but she knew that was a silly thought. Sachiko had told her that those who live for such a long time eventually started to forget how to smile truly. Kaede had no reason to doubt her on that.
āHaruka-san?ā The gentle words fell on deaf ears as a new weight was added to Haruka's shoulders. Part of her didn't recognize the people around her for a moment, and then she realized she had been caught in a moment of weakness. Her shoulders slumped in defeat and she hung her head low, her eyes hidden by her bangs. āSora-kun told me about what happened. About why they built the memorial here. I guessā¦ I guess you must have known a lot of the people who died. Iām really sorry; nobody should ever have to go through something like that.ā She stayed silent, the hand that covered her mouth fell away, and despite her displeasure, a sob escaped her throat. It was a broken sound and made her heart ache. She hadn't cried like this since her parents abandoned her. It was odd how far away that seemed, how much time had passed since she realized they were never coming back. Now they were dead, now they really wouldn't be coming back. Another sob broke free.
āItās never easy, really, but it hurts less, with timeā¦ and friends.ā She froze. What had the girl said? Friends? All Haruka had was Asuka...was Sora her friend? Could she count on the two of them, whenever she put her faith into someone, they ended up dead. āSometimesā¦ it helps to talk about it. If you ever want to talk to me, or maybe to tell me stories about who you lost, Iā¦ I would listen.ā A new feeling entered her at those words, as if the strength had suddenly came up from where ever it felt to. It started from her heart and traveled through her body, making the sobs that shook her form slowly fade away and the strength in her legs return. After a minute of silence, Haruka some how manged to stand up. She pushed her self up using and memorial, and then whipped the tears clear of her face. "...My parents, they left me when I was a child, so I moved around a lot, and I never really had a home..." Her eyes burned slightly as she gazed at the stone covered in name, her tone soft and weak. "I never had a home until the headmaster took me into the Academy. I didn't fit in much, because I don't really like...people," She chuckled quietly. It was kind of odd, the way she said that, but it was also true, she didn't like people, it was a surprise she even got along with Asuka and Sora.
"But I still liked to help others, so I did know almost every by name, most of them didn't like me through. I was the weird homeless girl, but the headmaster acted like my father, he bought me new clothes, gave me Christmas presents and threw birthday parties for me." She smiled softly at the memories. Haruka had been so confused the first time he tried to help her put up a Christmas tree, she hand't understood what to do. "I don't care if he was dying." Her voice turned hard and cold as she clenched her hands into fists. "He shouldn't have died like that. He should have died around the people he loved, around friends and family. None of them deserved the death they got..." She looked away from the memorial, as her shoulder slumped once more. She hadn't spoken to anyone about this before, it felt nice to try and just get it off of her chest. "I didn't even get to say goodbye..." Haruka rubbed at her draw eyes once more, making the skin beneath them raw and puffy. She should go and try and find Asuka, Sora and Zenith, since classes were over as it seemed, but first. "I'm sorry...and thank you." She turned towards Kaede and smiled weakly.
|āFor a creature soaked in the waters of tribulations, the salvation that awaits is nothing more but a mirage.ā|
A trickle of scent, it was enough for the white-haired pure-blood to know of her approach. His sister's words faded into the deep recesses of his mind as he met with those jade-colored eyes. There was a breath of silence before Fujiwara spoke. Mainly, she had factually reprimanded him for leaving by himself. Well, she had a point there as the Headmaster had indeed ordered this. He had no intentions of making such duties hard. It was just his nature to wander and go to places without much of a companion. To him, being alone is a normal thing. Furthermore, there was no need to have other people take the damage meant for him. He could handle his own protection without bothering other people, specifically them, the prefects.
Despite hearing those words, he did not cater any kind of recognition nor apprehension towards it. As usual, he remained the epitome of an emotionless being. Those eyes of amber did not look away from her eyes until she returned his jacket. It was only then that he had removed his attention and focused it upon the piece of apparel. She thanked him and then condone her own actions of falling asleep. In his opinion, there was nothing wrong with that for he mostly falls to the spell of slumber at the most oddest of instances. Taking the jacket, he wore it once more with such inherent grace and elegance which denoted his sophistication and gave him an impression of majesty. But not before, giving Fujiwara a nod to acknowledge her words.
While fixing his uniform in silence, he was tad disturbed when Fujiwara called him by name. Of course, this was perfectly hidden behind the placidity of his appearance. It had not been the first time for her to call him as such. However, he had not expected to hear it again with the sadness he had brought her. Truthfully, he had expected for them to address him in an demeaning or hateful manner. But then again, they were the blinding light. Looking at her once more, she queried about the night where he asked her to forgive him. He had stated that when he partook in her blood for the recuperation of his injury. For in the end, he did not want to do such a thing to anyone especially to her.
What was unexpected, she grabbed hold of his hand into her own. The pure-blood remained a blank canvass for any form of emotions. He simply looked at their hands with those golden eyes of his. It was indeed a surprising gesture. Truth be told, he found her hand so delicate yet strong. It was nice to hold which he feared he might not want to let it go. Alas, she released his hand. For that, he was fortunate and returned his hand to his side far from her immediate reach. Her words were heard with great consideration and this is why he must not falter. This girl trapped in between was willing to forgive him someday. She was truly a strong person.
There was only silence on his end as he contemplated whether to speak or keep his thoughts for himself. It was not that long before Fujiwara asked if she can be of service as his escort and guard. He removed himself against the wall and straightened himself. His eyes returned to her face with those impregnable empty look of his. āYou are an admirable person, Ms. Fujiwara." There was a slight pause before he continued on. āJust do what you believe is right and move forward. I..." His sentence was cut off by the ringing of the bell. It seemed that classes for the day were over as he noticed another familiar scent. It was none other than Tsukino who confirmed this. As such, he let his words end at that. He was about to say something completely unneeded. Definitely, unimportant.
His former roommate asked if he wanted to go anywhere. He did but on his own. The pure-blood wanted to linger by himself in a secluded area where no one can bother him. In there, he wanted to contemplate on some matters and to even carve some woodcraft. It always helped to lift some of the weight he carries even if it would be momentarily. But, there would be no other way around that without having one of the prefects with him. Unless, he had retired to his personal chambers at the Moon Dormitory. In the end, he did not have much of a choice. He gave a curt nod as his answer to Tsukino's query and then began to walk away knowing the two would follow.
Slowly but surely, the hallways were now being filled up by the both day and night class students. It was getting a bit crowded and a bit troublesome as some of the students took this opportunity to interact even by touch towards the white-haired pure-blood. Through it all, Zenith had managed to come out of it completely unfazed by the different trivialities. Although, he wondered how the two prefects were fairing against the students. They were the ones at the front line to ensure his safety. Anyway, they were now outside. There were still some students walking about and going to their preferred club activities. He had no such thing. Instead, he took a pathway barely noticeable.
At the end of the path, there was a flowing stream and beautiful forest trees surrounding the area. He usually comes here when he truly wanted no one to disturb him about anything. He could also call it his workshop as he mostly does his artworks at this location. In truth, he had never brought anyone here. This will be the first time. He walk towards the stream to look at its clear surface. āIt comes." He softly said as he stopped at a respectable distance from Fujiwara and Tsukino. But, it seemed that the three of them were not the only ones. To proclaim this, a circular barrage of daggers were thrown to his direction along with one word to declare intention. "Die!" Zenith simply looked with his emotionless expression at the thrown daggers which seemed to carry anti-vampiric qualities and the pristine stream of clear blue now had the hue of red.
Despite hearing those words, he did not cater any kind of recognition nor apprehension towards it. As usual, he remained the epitome of an emotionless being. Those eyes of amber did not look away from her eyes until she returned his jacket. It was only then that he had removed his attention and focused it upon the piece of apparel. She thanked him and then condone her own actions of falling asleep. In his opinion, there was nothing wrong with that for he mostly falls to the spell of slumber at the most oddest of instances. Taking the jacket, he wore it once more with such inherent grace and elegance which denoted his sophistication and gave him an impression of majesty. But not before, giving Fujiwara a nod to acknowledge her words.
While fixing his uniform in silence, he was tad disturbed when Fujiwara called him by name. Of course, this was perfectly hidden behind the placidity of his appearance. It had not been the first time for her to call him as such. However, he had not expected to hear it again with the sadness he had brought her. Truthfully, he had expected for them to address him in an demeaning or hateful manner. But then again, they were the blinding light. Looking at her once more, she queried about the night where he asked her to forgive him. He had stated that when he partook in her blood for the recuperation of his injury. For in the end, he did not want to do such a thing to anyone especially to her.
What was unexpected, she grabbed hold of his hand into her own. The pure-blood remained a blank canvass for any form of emotions. He simply looked at their hands with those golden eyes of his. It was indeed a surprising gesture. Truth be told, he found her hand so delicate yet strong. It was nice to hold which he feared he might not want to let it go. Alas, she released his hand. For that, he was fortunate and returned his hand to his side far from her immediate reach. Her words were heard with great consideration and this is why he must not falter. This girl trapped in between was willing to forgive him someday. She was truly a strong person.
There was only silence on his end as he contemplated whether to speak or keep his thoughts for himself. It was not that long before Fujiwara asked if she can be of service as his escort and guard. He removed himself against the wall and straightened himself. His eyes returned to her face with those impregnable empty look of his. āYou are an admirable person, Ms. Fujiwara." There was a slight pause before he continued on. āJust do what you believe is right and move forward. I..." His sentence was cut off by the ringing of the bell. It seemed that classes for the day were over as he noticed another familiar scent. It was none other than Tsukino who confirmed this. As such, he let his words end at that. He was about to say something completely unneeded. Definitely, unimportant.
His former roommate asked if he wanted to go anywhere. He did but on his own. The pure-blood wanted to linger by himself in a secluded area where no one can bother him. In there, he wanted to contemplate on some matters and to even carve some woodcraft. It always helped to lift some of the weight he carries even if it would be momentarily. But, there would be no other way around that without having one of the prefects with him. Unless, he had retired to his personal chambers at the Moon Dormitory. In the end, he did not have much of a choice. He gave a curt nod as his answer to Tsukino's query and then began to walk away knowing the two would follow.
Slowly but surely, the hallways were now being filled up by the both day and night class students. It was getting a bit crowded and a bit troublesome as some of the students took this opportunity to interact even by touch towards the white-haired pure-blood. Through it all, Zenith had managed to come out of it completely unfazed by the different trivialities. Although, he wondered how the two prefects were fairing against the students. They were the ones at the front line to ensure his safety. Anyway, they were now outside. There were still some students walking about and going to their preferred club activities. He had no such thing. Instead, he took a pathway barely noticeable.
At the end of the path, there was a flowing stream and beautiful forest trees surrounding the area. He usually comes here when he truly wanted no one to disturb him about anything. He could also call it his workshop as he mostly does his artworks at this location. In truth, he had never brought anyone here. This will be the first time. He walk towards the stream to look at its clear surface. āIt comes." He softly said as he stopped at a respectable distance from Fujiwara and Tsukino. But, it seemed that the three of them were not the only ones. To proclaim this, a circular barrage of daggers were thrown to his direction along with one word to declare intention. "Die!" Zenith simply looked with his emotionless expression at the thrown daggers which seemed to carry anti-vampiric qualities and the pristine stream of clear blue now had the hue of red.
"In darkness, light shines the brightest. But in light, darkness grows the strongest. Is it possible for the two to co-exist to the point it no longer matters?"
Asuka merely kept her gaze forward, listening as the pure-blood spoke. Admirable? Because she was willing to forgive him someday? She almost scoffed at the idea. There was nothing admirable about her willing to forgive him. She still wanted him dead. Until she could forgive him, maybe she could become this admirable person he speaks of, but until that day comes, she wasn't. She softly shook her head and turned as his sentence was cut off by the ringing of the bell. Classes were over for the day it seemed. Where had the time gone? They had just came back from lunch. How long were they standing in this hallway? Her thoughts were cut short by the appearance of Sora. She greeted him with a small smile as she turned to acknowledge him.
"Sora-chan," she stated, a light grin tugging at her lips in the process. She then followed behind the white-haired vampire who nodded in response to Sora's inquiry. It was a slow walk, almost as if the halls were swallowing them up and the floors were becoming mud. The halls were becoming more livelier as both classes poured into the hallway. She could hear most of the Day Class students as they whispered about the white-haired male, and particularly the black-haired pure-blood. This caused a frown to tug at her lips, so instead, she grasped the pure-blood's hand in her own. She didn't know why, but it was comforting. She could hear more whispers of the sudden gesture, but it rolled off of her. She had no use for them. She released Sora's hand as she continued to walk in silence.
It was good that they were not receiving any troubles from the students. Most of them were either fearful of the black-haired male after earlier's events, and most did not want to trifle with the original, sole prefect. Not that she minded, she had a lot on her mind to worry about than deal with the Day Class students. There was also the fact that the Day Class was mingling, if only for a few minutes, with the Night Class. It still seemed surreal for them as they tried talking to their crushes. In a way, Asuka found it somewhat, endearing. They had no clue just how dangerous their counterparts were, and yet they still vied for their affection. Shaking her head, they were soon out of the building and walking down a path that was hardly noticeable.
When they reached the end of the pathway, Asuka could only stare in wonder. Where had this place come from? She didn't know that there was still a place that could hold such beauty, given the events that tortured a majority of the grounds of Cross Academy. For a moment, everything was forgotten and she wanted to enjoy the scenery. As such, she did not notice as Zenith walked with a respectable distance between Sora and herself. She turned towards the black-haired vampire before turning her attention towards the white-haired vampire. She frowned slightly as she glanced between the two pure-bloods. They were so different, and yet, at the same time, very similar. Both wore their masks, however; she could catch glimpses of Sora's facets recently, and it made her happy.
Zenith kept his mask on, his face never showing anything at all. She shook her head, pushing away the thoughts as they remained silent, however; it didn't remain as such. Zenith had spoken some words that slipped through her ears, but the one word that echoed loudly caused her eyes to widen. A barrage of daggers were sent towards Zenith, and Asuka couldn't understand what happened next. Blood filled the area in a strong scent. The river that had been flawless was now stained with red. It was assaulting her senses so much, but the scent, it wasn't that of roses. It was her own. She didn't know what happened, only that her body had moved when the daggers were spotted. Any vampire, or human, could tell those were anti-vampire weapons, and as such would have caused much damage to the pure-blood if they had hit.
She had fallen into the stream in the process of shoving the white-haired pure-blood out of the way and it carried her blood down. She pushed herself up, arms trembling in the process. The weapons, they were not fatal to her, but that didn't mean they didn't hurt. She laughed to herself, coughing in the process as she groaned. Although the intent to kill was thrown with the daggers, she was lucky that they hadn't pierced anything vital. Instead, she reached towards her back, pulling the daggers from their embedded spots. She had missed a few as they were lodged inside the trunks of a few trees. Her wounds would heal in a matter of minutes to hours. Right now, that wasn't important though.
"We need to get him out of here," she stated. Not only that, but she needed to tend to her wounds quickly. Multiple wounds would still cause a large amount of blood loss and she couldn't risk fainting in the process. Not only that, she didn't want to become the burden of being the one to fall behind. She knew, or she was placing her faith in him, Sora would do his job first. She wasn't the important one right now, Zenith was. He might have been a pure-blood, and as such would be more than capable of protecting himself, but at the current moment, none of that mattered. They were his guards, and as such his safety was higher up on the scale. She was but a mere piece of dirt that could be wiped off and replaced. If anything happened to the white-haired vampire, then the peace that was being held by thin strands would have shattered.
It wouldn't matter who was responsible for the pure-blood's death, the only thing that would be is that it would finally give the hunters and vampires to react and bring about the war again. It was something Asuka did not want. If the war were to be re-started, countless lives would be lost. Innocent or not, they would still be lost. Families, both vampire and human, would be torn apart as loved ones turned against each other. A painful clench in her heart caused her to stop in her thought process. The peace must be preserved at all costs, even if she had to die for it.
āI know my duty and I know my obligation, but I do not know this other thing that moves me. It is irrational, illogical, at odds with the others, and so much stronger.ā
He wasnāt sure how he felt about being called Sora-chan, but because it was her, heād let her get away with it, and he suspected that she knew that. The two of them flanked Rosenkreuz, generally sufficient in mere presence to prevent anyone from attempting anything stupid.
He wasnāt very used to being talked about. Usually, people were either too scared or too uninterested to bother discussing him, but he supposed his odd new association with these people might be sufficient to get a few bolder tongues wagging. He was simply inclined to roll his eyes and leave it be, but for some reason, Fujiwara thought it important enough to take his hand when the discussion regarding him became audible to her. He didnāt get it, but he accepted the gesture, squeezing once of his own accord, though he wasnāt aware of it, before she released him again. He was sure that was abound to go noticed by somebody, but for once, maybe the fact that nobody ever shut up about Zenith would be useful and it wouldnāt start anything moronic. He could hope, anyway.
He was inclined to advise against proceeding too far out onto the grounds, but he didnāt, because he had a feeling he knew something of what Rosenkreuz was actually experiencing right now, and if it were him, heād want to be away from as many people as possible. He almost snorted, unaware of when heād become so soft as to give a damn what other people wanted, but in truth, heād always been that way. He just used to be better at hiding it. It felt likeā¦ some part of him that didnāt really belong was cracking, that his mask was peeling away, bit by bit, if only seldom and for very specific people.
His reflection on this fact slowed his reaction time just enough that Fujiwara jumped in front of the knives before he could knock them out of the sky. Getting his bearings almost immediately, Sora sniffed, then shot a hand out, lancing six bolts of lightning into various tree branches. Six bodies fell from those branches to the ground with hard thuds, entirely unconscious and likely to stay that way for a while.
The smell of his friendās blood was on the air, and he was furious. It didnāt show, of course, for he wore the assassinās face for truth now, featureless and blank as a pristine canvas, but it was true all the same. Midori sensed this through her mental link, and he instructed her to send them Yamazaki immediately, through whatever means necessary to get her here. He knew that the top priority was getting Rosenkreuz to safety, but that wasnāt going to happen if they either finished off or ignored Fujiwara and pursued. Logically, it made the most sense to get Haruka to their charge so that the could move him to safety, whilst he and Fujiwara stopped the pursuers. Weāre close, Midori told him through their link, and that confirmed it.
āWest,ā he told Rosenkreuz, drawing his knife from its sheath. āYamazakiās on her way. Sheāll take you where you need to go. Weāll make sure youāre not followed.ā Asuka alone wasnāt going to be able to do that, considering how injured she was already.
A rustling in the branches gave away another assailant, but Sora was there before sheād even landed, striking her hard with the handle of his dagger and dropping her to the ground. A pair went for Fujiwara, and the remaining three, much more cautious than their counterparts, tried coming at him together. They were using anti-vampire weapons, from the look and smell of the steel. That wasnāt nearly as much of a problem for him as they thought it was going to be, though, and he fully intended to take advantage of this.
He wasnāt very used to being talked about. Usually, people were either too scared or too uninterested to bother discussing him, but he supposed his odd new association with these people might be sufficient to get a few bolder tongues wagging. He was simply inclined to roll his eyes and leave it be, but for some reason, Fujiwara thought it important enough to take his hand when the discussion regarding him became audible to her. He didnāt get it, but he accepted the gesture, squeezing once of his own accord, though he wasnāt aware of it, before she released him again. He was sure that was abound to go noticed by somebody, but for once, maybe the fact that nobody ever shut up about Zenith would be useful and it wouldnāt start anything moronic. He could hope, anyway.
He was inclined to advise against proceeding too far out onto the grounds, but he didnāt, because he had a feeling he knew something of what Rosenkreuz was actually experiencing right now, and if it were him, heād want to be away from as many people as possible. He almost snorted, unaware of when heād become so soft as to give a damn what other people wanted, but in truth, heād always been that way. He just used to be better at hiding it. It felt likeā¦ some part of him that didnāt really belong was cracking, that his mask was peeling away, bit by bit, if only seldom and for very specific people.
His reflection on this fact slowed his reaction time just enough that Fujiwara jumped in front of the knives before he could knock them out of the sky. Getting his bearings almost immediately, Sora sniffed, then shot a hand out, lancing six bolts of lightning into various tree branches. Six bodies fell from those branches to the ground with hard thuds, entirely unconscious and likely to stay that way for a while.
The smell of his friendās blood was on the air, and he was furious. It didnāt show, of course, for he wore the assassinās face for truth now, featureless and blank as a pristine canvas, but it was true all the same. Midori sensed this through her mental link, and he instructed her to send them Yamazaki immediately, through whatever means necessary to get her here. He knew that the top priority was getting Rosenkreuz to safety, but that wasnāt going to happen if they either finished off or ignored Fujiwara and pursued. Logically, it made the most sense to get Haruka to their charge so that the could move him to safety, whilst he and Fujiwara stopped the pursuers. Weāre close, Midori told him through their link, and that confirmed it.
āWest,ā he told Rosenkreuz, drawing his knife from its sheath. āYamazakiās on her way. Sheāll take you where you need to go. Weāll make sure youāre not followed.ā Asuka alone wasnāt going to be able to do that, considering how injured she was already.
A rustling in the branches gave away another assailant, but Sora was there before sheād even landed, striking her hard with the handle of his dagger and dropping her to the ground. A pair went for Fujiwara, and the remaining three, much more cautious than their counterparts, tried coming at him together. They were using anti-vampire weapons, from the look and smell of the steel. That wasnāt nearly as much of a problem for him as they thought it was going to be, though, and he fully intended to take advantage of this.
As soon a Midori told her what was going on, she found herself running and calling a sorry to the two woman behind her. It was strange that Haruka had just been worrying about the only people she had left being hurt, and they were in fact now both in danger. She moved faster than she thought possible after what seemed to be such a long, straining day, but she didn't complain. Without thinking Haruka glanced at the kitten that was still on her shoulder as she ran, and managed to keep her voice calm. "Go tell the Headmaster I'll be bringing Zenith to his office." She paused for a beat, and then added in a softer tone. "Please and thank you." She flashed the cat and smile, before pulling her attention back to where she had been directed. She wasn't completely sure what was going on, but she knew it wasn't anything good. Asuka was already hurt, and Sora was trying to get Zenith away. She shouldn't have been wasting time earlier, if she was with them now there would be no delay to getting the Pure-Blood out of harm's way, but she hadn't been with them, and because of her idiocy time was wasting and the chances of a war was piling up against them. This job sucks. She concluded before she found the needed path and started down it.
After a few short minuets, she found them. It was clear right off the bat that they were out numbered, but that didn't really matter, she just needed to get Zenith out of the fray, but it seemed because the Pure-Blood was still there, she had made good timing. "Come on." She said running towards him and making a grab for his arm. Suddenly, something in the back of her mind clicked into place, and she stepped to the right a bit, so that her body suddenly shielded Zeniths as a stray dagger shot through the air towards them. Instead of hitting his shoulder, it hit hers. Haruka blinked in surprise as she looked down at her injured arm, not quite registering the pain yet, and then grabbed Zenith and started to pull him away, she didn't bother pulling the dagger out, at the moment it was the only thing keeping her from bleeding out. "Be careful." She called over her shoulder, shoving Zenith in front of her so that if anymore dagger were sent there way he would be shielded by them, until they were moving down the path once more.
Haruka was silent as she pulled him along(through she was sure she didn't need too)until they reached the treeline. "I'm taking you to the Headmaster." She reached over her shoulder with her uninjured arm and tugged on the hilt of the dagger that was lodged into her arm, leaving it useless. She hissed before releasing the dagger and shaking her head. If she pulled it out now it would only slow her down. Instead Haruka reached out and grabbed Zenith by his rest and started to run to pull him towards the main building. She wanted to run again, but she wasn't sure if you royal ice king would run or not. "Come on, I want to get out of here before I turn around and shove this dagger down someone throat." She ground out through clenched teeth, clearly annoyed with the fact that she had metal lodged into her back and that it felt like someone took a red hot branding rod and shoved it against her skin until it started to burn away. All she had to do was get him to the Headmaster's office, she had an odd feeling that if the Pure-Blood ended protecting, the man was more capable than she was. Haruka took off in a jog, her hand still holding onto Zenith's wrist as they got closer to the main building.
|āThe prize of power is the key for the downfall of the heart and soul where the door of death welcomes.ā|
This pristine area had immediately changed into a scene of butchery. His sanctuary had now become but a mere memory. More than that, he was more concerned about the scent of such blood. The source was Fujiwara who had shielded him from the barrage of daggers. As to be expected, his face remained unyielding to any forthcoming emotions. He remained empty of any expression. Although, he finds this unpleasant and is fully concerned about Fujiwara's condition. In her efforts, he had been pushed aside to avoid the incoming attacks. She had grown sharper but ever so reckless just like that time.
Tsukino had already made his move before Zenith could speak or act. The black pure-blood even told him to head west. It would appear that Yamazaki will be taking him to safety. This situation was not something beyond his comprehension. There had been many occurrences where his life had also been attempted to be taken. He could careless about such acts. Actually, he had expected that ever since he had taken the nightmare as his personal responsibility. Many now bears ill will towards him and he had become an enemy to others. This was now his path. As such, he was not going to look away from it or even avoid it.
Instead of going to the west portion, he went towards Fujiwara who had wounds but nothing to be considered fatal. He has no idea of how she heals due to her status of a halfling. But, it seemed to be showing a sign of heightened regeneration. He stood there uncaring about the people wanting him dead. At the same time, his face was a complete void. He then reached for her hand and then threw her as delicately as he could towards Tsukino. āIn the end, I am still your enemy. This is what I would ask of you both. Never concern yourself with me." He stated towards the two who had been assigned as his bodyguards. Their bodies would collide as he then looked at the five individuals with their presence alone demanded his execution. āCome."
It was then a wall of bluish fire erupted from the ground creating a wall separating Fujiwara and Tsukino from Zenith and his assailants. To ensure the two would not be able to follow him, he completely cut-off any chance of getting around. He will only extinguished the flames when the matter had been dealt by him personally. However, Yamazaki had finally arrived who without much of a hesitation grabbed hold of his arm. The girl had intended to take him away. Similar to Fujiwara, Yamazaki had taken a hit meant for him. This is why he had stated to the Headmaster about not needing such detail for protection. They will only get hurt in the process.
āRelease me." It was spoken by him with his usual detached and impenetrable monotone voice. To further his words, he pulled away from the girl's grip which was not that difficult to do so. His golden eyes traveled through the embedded dagger on Yamazaki's back. Why do these girls like to bleed and get hurt so much? āO." With one word, his fox-like familiar appeared from the ground in glittering lights of blue. He then turned his back at Yamazaki knowing full well his familiar would take care of the girl. As for O, the familiar then looked at Yamazaki with those big blue eyes. "Master wants you to leave and to take care of your injury, Ms. Haruka." After saying that, O nudged the human girl by the leg to the opposite direction.
"You devil! You killed the President! Die!" So, they were from that sentiment. As such, the remaining attackers rushed towards him. It would be probably why they were used to combat and carry such weapons known to be dangerous to his kind. However, they were not enough. Furthermore, he was rather displeased by what they had done. āI see." That was his only reply as the bodies of all attackers unconscious or not were covered in white-blue flames. They shouted in agony and searing pain. Zenith remained unaffected and a blank mask for all to see. His eyes did not also cater any kind of emotions.
Soon, the shouting stopped. It was because they were all dead and nothing more but burned ashes. The area was now filled with the scent of burning flesh as he looked at the ashes which was soon blown by the wind. He knew that the prefects had seen what he had done. Their opinion whether he had been cruel or not will be theirs to keep. However one thing was for certain, he will be meeting with the Headmaster as of now. Taking down the walls of fire he had encased Tsukino and Fujiwara, he then spoke with his usual manner of speaking. āThis game of bodyguard ends now." In the end, the prefects have no business protecting him. If possible, they should be wishing his death the most.
With that said, he walked towards the direction of the Main Building. The moments he might have shared with Fujiwara, Yamazaki, and Tsukino were truly nice. This is why he firmly believed they were the light. As for him, he was the darkness that will make them glow so brightly. This is how it should be and always will be. On the other hand, Hughes looked out of his window seeing Zenith's visage. He knew that the pure-blood would not last a single day without coming to him. Moreover, he was certain that this will be about the prefects. Because at the end of the day, the Rosenkreuz pure-blood was more thoughtful than anyone would believed him to be and he also knew that threats will be abound once the King of Vampires leaved his territory.
"People tend to distance themselves from people or objects they deemed precious." Hughes softly mumbled to himself as he then looked at the broken glasses in his hand. It was something that he had heard someone tells him. Ironically, it fits the white-haired pure-blood perfectly. Anyway, he returned to his seat and waited for the arrival of the said pure-blood who would undoubtedly be very determined to disagree with some his instructions. This will be an entertaining matter.
Tsukino had already made his move before Zenith could speak or act. The black pure-blood even told him to head west. It would appear that Yamazaki will be taking him to safety. This situation was not something beyond his comprehension. There had been many occurrences where his life had also been attempted to be taken. He could careless about such acts. Actually, he had expected that ever since he had taken the nightmare as his personal responsibility. Many now bears ill will towards him and he had become an enemy to others. This was now his path. As such, he was not going to look away from it or even avoid it.
Instead of going to the west portion, he went towards Fujiwara who had wounds but nothing to be considered fatal. He has no idea of how she heals due to her status of a halfling. But, it seemed to be showing a sign of heightened regeneration. He stood there uncaring about the people wanting him dead. At the same time, his face was a complete void. He then reached for her hand and then threw her as delicately as he could towards Tsukino. āIn the end, I am still your enemy. This is what I would ask of you both. Never concern yourself with me." He stated towards the two who had been assigned as his bodyguards. Their bodies would collide as he then looked at the five individuals with their presence alone demanded his execution. āCome."
It was then a wall of bluish fire erupted from the ground creating a wall separating Fujiwara and Tsukino from Zenith and his assailants. To ensure the two would not be able to follow him, he completely cut-off any chance of getting around. He will only extinguished the flames when the matter had been dealt by him personally. However, Yamazaki had finally arrived who without much of a hesitation grabbed hold of his arm. The girl had intended to take him away. Similar to Fujiwara, Yamazaki had taken a hit meant for him. This is why he had stated to the Headmaster about not needing such detail for protection. They will only get hurt in the process.
āRelease me." It was spoken by him with his usual detached and impenetrable monotone voice. To further his words, he pulled away from the girl's grip which was not that difficult to do so. His golden eyes traveled through the embedded dagger on Yamazaki's back. Why do these girls like to bleed and get hurt so much? āO." With one word, his fox-like familiar appeared from the ground in glittering lights of blue. He then turned his back at Yamazaki knowing full well his familiar would take care of the girl. As for O, the familiar then looked at Yamazaki with those big blue eyes. "Master wants you to leave and to take care of your injury, Ms. Haruka." After saying that, O nudged the human girl by the leg to the opposite direction.
"You devil! You killed the President! Die!" So, they were from that sentiment. As such, the remaining attackers rushed towards him. It would be probably why they were used to combat and carry such weapons known to be dangerous to his kind. However, they were not enough. Furthermore, he was rather displeased by what they had done. āI see." That was his only reply as the bodies of all attackers unconscious or not were covered in white-blue flames. They shouted in agony and searing pain. Zenith remained unaffected and a blank mask for all to see. His eyes did not also cater any kind of emotions.
Soon, the shouting stopped. It was because they were all dead and nothing more but burned ashes. The area was now filled with the scent of burning flesh as he looked at the ashes which was soon blown by the wind. He knew that the prefects had seen what he had done. Their opinion whether he had been cruel or not will be theirs to keep. However one thing was for certain, he will be meeting with the Headmaster as of now. Taking down the walls of fire he had encased Tsukino and Fujiwara, he then spoke with his usual manner of speaking. āThis game of bodyguard ends now." In the end, the prefects have no business protecting him. If possible, they should be wishing his death the most.
With that said, he walked towards the direction of the Main Building. The moments he might have shared with Fujiwara, Yamazaki, and Tsukino were truly nice. This is why he firmly believed they were the light. As for him, he was the darkness that will make them glow so brightly. This is how it should be and always will be. On the other hand, Hughes looked out of his window seeing Zenith's visage. He knew that the pure-blood would not last a single day without coming to him. Moreover, he was certain that this will be about the prefects. Because at the end of the day, the Rosenkreuz pure-blood was more thoughtful than anyone would believed him to be and he also knew that threats will be abound once the King of Vampires leaved his territory.
"People tend to distance themselves from people or objects they deemed precious." Hughes softly mumbled to himself as he then looked at the broken glasses in his hand. It was something that he had heard someone tells him. Ironically, it fits the white-haired pure-blood perfectly. Anyway, he returned to his seat and waited for the arrival of the said pure-blood who would undoubtedly be very determined to disagree with some his instructions. This will be an entertaining matter.
"Fate likes to play twisted games. It is why we are all here, together in this mess."
Asuka remained in her spot, trying to coax the pain in her back so that it was just a mere pinching feeling. She hadn't expected Zenith to approach nor handle her the way he had. As much as he could, he tossed her towards Sora. Her eyes widened for a split second at the sudden movement before she came into contact with the black-haired pure-blood. Glancing up at Sora's face before returning her attention towards Zenith. He made a statement of them still being enemies. That wasn't a lie, they still were. As such, Asuka was inclined to the slightest tilt of her head in slight understanding, however; even enemies could put aside their petty differences for a time to deal with a common foe. Even if it would be temporary.
Before anything more could be done, Asuka found herself and Sora surrounded by a bluish white flame and cut off from Zenith. She frowned slightly as she removed herself from Sora's grasp. She hadn't missed the way he reacted and brought the six culprits down with his lightning. That, however, was pushed far from her mind as she winced at the pain that was now catching up with her. The adrenaline had sought to keep it at bay, but as soon as it started wavering, the pain was becoming a bit unbearable. She grabbed at one of the open wounds and applied the necessary pressure to keep it from spilling out more blood. Why was she always bleeding for this pure-blood? The first time she bled was when she offered him her blood, and now this time was when she hazardously jumped in front of the barrage of daggers.
"Remind me to start thinking before leaping, Sora," she muttered underneath her breath as she heard the crackling of fire and then the screams of agony. She winced as the bodies, both conscious and not, burned beneath a white flame. Zenith had returned and she had caught the statement from one of the hunters. When they had revealed themselves, she had recognized a few of them, but they did not recognize her. It was a good thing they did not for they would have noticed something off about her. A normal human would not have been able to take the barrage of daggers and still stand. Even a single dagger to the back could prove dangerous to a human. It was why a flash of concern had whipped across her face when she spotted the dagger protruding from Haruka's back. She wanted to help her friend, but the flames kept her from doing so.
"This isn't a game," she retorted after the pure-blood who spoke of their duty as body-guards coming to an end. It wasn't a game at all. If it were, she wouldn't have agreed to doing the job in the first place. She brows furrowed in frustration as the white-haired pure-blood staggered off towards the main building. She had an inkling she knew where he was going, but at the moment, she pushed him out of her thoughts and turned towards Sora. "Are you okay?" she stated, glancing around nervously in the process. It was obvious that he was as he was not the one that was hurt. It was a silly statement, but she had to ask it. She was concerned for her friend and it wasn't just a small ounce of concern either. It was something much deeper than that, and she couldn't understand it. She shook her head lightly.
"I guess we should head back and report to the Headmaster. You can go a head," she stated as she slowly rested her back against the trunk of a tree. It wasn't the wisest thing to do seeing as she was still slightly bleeding. Her wounds were taking a bit longer to heal than normal, and she could only guess that it was because of the lack of blood flowing through her system. She hadn't taken the blood-pills in over four months and she had only drank blood that one time, which was almost a year ago, right after the events of the Academy's demise. "I am just going to stay here for a bit. I'll catch up in a bit. And don't you dare say anything, otherwise I will kick you," she stated in a friendly banter. Although she was serious, she would kick him if he retorted with anything.
It's not that she didn't need the help, she knew she did. But this mess had to be reported to the Headmaster almost immediately. It was their job after all, and he didn't need two of the prefects to tell him what happened. One would be sufficient in divulging the details. And what better person than Sora? He could tell the Headmaster everything in as little as two words. Of course that was probably an exaggeration on her part, but it was slightly true. Sora would stick straight to the point whereas Asuka would probably veer off and mention things that were not important or needed. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes in the process as she tried to ignore the pain that was now passing in little waves.
āI donāt believe in Fate, only in choice and consequence.ā
He hadnāt expected Yamazaki to be so reckless in her assistance, but then, perhaps he should have. Honestly, though, Rosenkreuz was making this harder rather than easier. It was convenient to have a client who could defend himself well, of course, but it also usually meant that they were fine with putting themselves in more danger rather than less. Cowards were the easiest protection jobs, and whatever else he was, Zenith was not a coward, not on this level, anyway.
Fortunately, it seemed that his familiar was guiding Yamazaki away from the clearing, though honestly he would have preferred it if the man himself followed. Another half-dozen humans was nothing for either of them, of course, but Sora wasnāt the one who held a ceasefire in place simply by existing.
Haruka was met at the treeline by a concerned Sachiko, whoād left Kaede in a safe place and followed when she figured out what was going on. āHaruka-chan! Are you all right?ā She could smell a lot of blood, but it wasnāt all this particular humanās. Most of it carried the peculiar scent of Asuka-chanāthough Sora had never told her what the other girl was, she had been able to see it. Asukaās future, or pieces of it, were visible to Sachiko, and she drank in the tidbits happily, for they were as close as sheād ever come to seeing Soraās future. These four people were so tightly intertwined in the threads of destiny that it was sometimes hard to tell them apart.
It was clear just from looking at the girl that it was best not to remove the knife in her shoulder just now. She needed to be treated at the infirmary, really, and Sachiko turned around, pulling her long hair over her shoulders and presenting her back to Haruka. āGet on, Haruka-chan; we have to get you some help as soon as we can.ā Though the scent of blood might have been a deterrent to most of her kind, Sachiko was a Tsukino, and she could put up with it better than most. Glancing down, she noted the white fox, and the smell it bore, and then nodded. āYouāre welcome to come too, if Haruka-chan doesnāt mind.ā She assumed that if it was here, it had some interest in seeing her to safety, and she didnāt intend to interfere with that.
When Fujiwara was thrown at him, Sora softened the impact as much as he could, given her present state of injury. He could feel the sticky-wet sensation of her blood coating his hands, soaking through his jacket, but he was more concerned for the fact that this meant it was no longer in her body. Her healing seemed to be accelerated, but not enough, and he chose to aid her by placing careful pressure on a few more of the wounds. The wall of fire was an interesting touch; for a moment, the assassin contemplated canceling it, but chose not to. That was a secret he was uncomfortable giving away, and furthermore, it was as heād thought before: Rosenkreuz was more than a match for a bunch of humans.
The annoyingly-noble bullshit about ānot involving themselves,ā he let slide. Nobody told him how to live, and that was just the way of it. But in the end, he was much more concerned about Fujiwaraās condition. Heād lost allies on the field of battle before, and heād lost friends to blades, but he wouldnāt lose her.
The foolish girl tried to send him after Rosenkreuz, but he shook his head. āThen kick me,ā he said flatly, āBecause Iām not going anywhere. Yamazaki or Midori or Rosenkreuz himself will inform the headmaster, but none of them are in much of a position to help you.ā One was injured herself, one was simply a familiar, and one had just walked away from them. That left him, and he at least wasnāt going to walk away.
Closing the intervening distance, he placed one hand on either side of her, palms pressed to the trunk of the tree. Heād caged her with the motion, though that had not been his intention. Tilting his head to one side, he seemed to study her for a moment, then sighed. āYou really are reckless, you know that?ā Closing his eyes, he sighed through his nose, then cracked them open again. āTwo choices, Fujiwara: either I take you to the infirmary for a transfusion or you can have mine here and now, but either way, you need someoneās blood. You wouldnāt be healing this slowly if you didnāt.ā Had she been depriving herself for some reason? He certainly hoped he had nothing to do with that. Compensating for the lack was something that took a lifetime to do properlyāand it wasnāt something heād ever wish on somebody else.
Fortunately, it seemed that his familiar was guiding Yamazaki away from the clearing, though honestly he would have preferred it if the man himself followed. Another half-dozen humans was nothing for either of them, of course, but Sora wasnāt the one who held a ceasefire in place simply by existing.
Haruka was met at the treeline by a concerned Sachiko, whoād left Kaede in a safe place and followed when she figured out what was going on. āHaruka-chan! Are you all right?ā She could smell a lot of blood, but it wasnāt all this particular humanās. Most of it carried the peculiar scent of Asuka-chanāthough Sora had never told her what the other girl was, she had been able to see it. Asukaās future, or pieces of it, were visible to Sachiko, and she drank in the tidbits happily, for they were as close as sheād ever come to seeing Soraās future. These four people were so tightly intertwined in the threads of destiny that it was sometimes hard to tell them apart.
It was clear just from looking at the girl that it was best not to remove the knife in her shoulder just now. She needed to be treated at the infirmary, really, and Sachiko turned around, pulling her long hair over her shoulders and presenting her back to Haruka. āGet on, Haruka-chan; we have to get you some help as soon as we can.ā Though the scent of blood might have been a deterrent to most of her kind, Sachiko was a Tsukino, and she could put up with it better than most. Glancing down, she noted the white fox, and the smell it bore, and then nodded. āYouāre welcome to come too, if Haruka-chan doesnāt mind.ā She assumed that if it was here, it had some interest in seeing her to safety, and she didnāt intend to interfere with that.
When Fujiwara was thrown at him, Sora softened the impact as much as he could, given her present state of injury. He could feel the sticky-wet sensation of her blood coating his hands, soaking through his jacket, but he was more concerned for the fact that this meant it was no longer in her body. Her healing seemed to be accelerated, but not enough, and he chose to aid her by placing careful pressure on a few more of the wounds. The wall of fire was an interesting touch; for a moment, the assassin contemplated canceling it, but chose not to. That was a secret he was uncomfortable giving away, and furthermore, it was as heād thought before: Rosenkreuz was more than a match for a bunch of humans.
The annoyingly-noble bullshit about ānot involving themselves,ā he let slide. Nobody told him how to live, and that was just the way of it. But in the end, he was much more concerned about Fujiwaraās condition. Heād lost allies on the field of battle before, and heād lost friends to blades, but he wouldnāt lose her.
The foolish girl tried to send him after Rosenkreuz, but he shook his head. āThen kick me,ā he said flatly, āBecause Iām not going anywhere. Yamazaki or Midori or Rosenkreuz himself will inform the headmaster, but none of them are in much of a position to help you.ā One was injured herself, one was simply a familiar, and one had just walked away from them. That left him, and he at least wasnāt going to walk away.
Closing the intervening distance, he placed one hand on either side of her, palms pressed to the trunk of the tree. Heād caged her with the motion, though that had not been his intention. Tilting his head to one side, he seemed to study her for a moment, then sighed. āYou really are reckless, you know that?ā Closing his eyes, he sighed through his nose, then cracked them open again. āTwo choices, Fujiwara: either I take you to the infirmary for a transfusion or you can have mine here and now, but either way, you need someoneās blood. You wouldnāt be healing this slowly if you didnāt.ā Had she been depriving herself for some reason? He certainly hoped he had nothing to do with that. Compensating for the lack was something that took a lifetime to do properlyāand it wasnāt something heād ever wish on somebody else.
Haruka was confused. She blinked down at O, and then shook her head. When did he get here? Where was Zenith? Why did her shoulder have to start hurting now, of all times, and then suddenly there was Sachiko, she rarely knew the woman, but Haruka felt a bit better with a friendly face. āHaruka-chan! Are you all right?ā Her eye brows rose. Did she look okay? She had a dagger in her back for crying out loud. Some people ask the strangest questions...what was that nudging at the foot? Haruka looked down and made a shooing motion towards O, through her arms seemed to move in slow motien and she had to stop at the jolt of white-hot pain that seared her back. "Son of a bitch!" Haruka doubled over slightly, her free hand clawing at her shoulder. If she wasn't in so much pain, she would have been shocked with her profanity, but it hurt like hell.
āGet on, Haruka-chan; we have to get you some help as soon as we can.ā Haruka stared at the woman's back like it had started to rapidly sprout hair. Was she offering her a piggy back ride? When was the last time she had one of those? It had to be before her parents left... āYouāre welcome to come too, if Haruka-chan doesnāt mind.ā Haruka was suddenly pouting. She felt oddly drunk, and the pain wasn't helping, nor was the strange numbness that was spreading down her back and through out her body. "No! I wanna follow him..." She waved a hand towards the direction Zenith had run off to, before blinking several times as her world tilted and spun. Was this normal for people who had been stabbed? Haru felt rather sick, and everything just wouldn't stop spinning. She looked down towards O and frowned in confusion. "You look fluffy." She smiled at the familiar, before her vision was flooded with dark spots and her whole body went ridged before slowly tipping backwards and towards the ground.
Haruka groaned. Was she dead? She felt dead. Everything ached. Where her dying words going to be 'you look fluffy'? She might as well be dead then. "Haruka time to get up!" She sputtered. That voice...so familiar...who was that? It was a voice a mother would have, it was so caring, so full of raw, tender love. That's right, her mother used to speak like that...what happened then? Why did they leave if she was so loving? Haruka opened her eyes, expecting to be in her own room, but instead she was looking up at a clear, perfect sky with clouds drifting over head. So she really was dead? That sucks. She never got to do so many things. Like...like...well she always wondered what Zenith's smile looked like.
There's something good to focus on. Don't think about the fact that your dying, think about the pretty boy's smile. I wonder if he has dimples... that would be interesting, hidden dimples, through, now Haruka would never get to see those hidden dimples. The thought alone was some how sadder than dying. Why did she even care so much through? He tried to kill her. He killed the man she considered her father, wrecked the Academy, stole countless lives with one act. Why would she be thinking about someone like him on her death bed? It was stupid. She should have been going over the memories that she had been through with Asuka, and the few she had experienced with Sora, not thinking about the white haired vampire that, in the end, might just be the death of her. Is normal...? No. Nothing about this damn Academy was normal. She let out a sigh, her eyes fluttering shut. I wonder.... The thought seemingly trailed off.
Some how, Haruka had ended up catching herself from hitting the ground, both of her arms held her up, through one of them was shaking badly. "I wonder..." Her voice was soft and her eyes seemed to be glazed over, like she wasn't even there. Haruka had never suffered blood loss, if that was what if even was. For all she knew, that dagger could have had poison on it. That's what she would have done if she was going on a death mission, she would have poisoned the dagger that would have scratched the target, so even if they didn't die, they would still die. That would suck. She thought with a humorless chuckled. "...If he's crying inside..." She looked up slightly, her blue eyes clearing up as she looked at O. Her face stayed blank for a moment, before it screwed up in pain and she let out a small gasp, her arms gave out, and she was truly lost in darkness this time.
|āNo matter how much one moves on, the chains of the past will always bind one to the depths.ā|
He was well aware of that. No one from those three individuals view their actions as mere game. They were willing to risk their lives for someone like him. In that fact, he knew they had their reasons which goes beyond their feelings of contempt towards him. The pure-blood heard the words of Fujiwara in retort to his statement about ending this bodyguard debacle. What he stated was not regarding about them, it was this play that the new Headmaster had created. That man was well-aware of what would happen. All of it was certain in anyone's point of view. This is why he was against such arrangements. Those people were his problem not theirs from the very beginning.
There was still concern about Fujiwara and Yamazaki's condition. However, he knew well enough not to confuse the two. Their hatred and their desire to see him pay for his travesty and crimes should not be tampered. Furthermore, Tsukino was there. He would be enough. Somehow, he was not completely at ease with that not due to the other pure-blood's skills. It was rather more about a preference which he did not want to dwell on in a very deep sense. Because truly, he had only one statement in his mind for what he knew was bound to happen between the two. āDon't drink...", these were the words that echoed at the back of his head which he dissuaded into nothing. For now, he allowed his thoughts to focus on one thing. It was the meeting with the Headmaster.
Soon, Zenith was inside the Headmaster's office. He approached the man's desk as his eyes of gold looked down with such emptiness. His face remained a blank, a facade which had been his trademark. However, Hughes was certain that there was more to that. In regards to this pure-blood, there had always been more to what meets the eye. āI do not need them." This was stated in his usual monotone voice as black eyes looked at the visage of the pure-blood unflinchingly. Hughes leaned on his chair and tilted his head to the side to study the one before him. There were also a few splatter of blood on that pristine white uniform. No use denying it. "As expected, those who want you dead attacked. Didn't they?"
A firm silence on the white pure-blood's side served as an answer which only made Hughes sigh. "That is why they are with you. They are your guards." Another moment of silence, Hughes could see that the pure-blood was also quite stubborn. Well, that trait was quite proven on many occasions. āThis is my burden. I can protect myself. Remove them from my side." Taking a deep breath, he could see that the pure-blood was not going to relent this time. At the same time, he would need to see the conditions of the prefects. After all, he did say he would protect the safety of everyone here. "You're a student of this Academy. But, you are also a King."
Standing from his seat, those abyssal black eyes met those amber ones head-on. There was no gentleness but serious intentions and driving authority. "A symbol needed to be safe. Are you that fearful of them being dragged into your darkness?" Hearing this, Zenith showed something that would resembled of a reaction. His eyes narrowed but they remained empty from any sort of emotions. Seeing this, Hughes continued on knowing that the pure-blood still remembered the words he released during the school festival. "They're far stronger than you take them credit for. Or, is it that you are afraid of being dragged out of the darkness you surround yourself by them?"
Without ado, Zenith turned his back from the Headmaster. If the man would not fold, he will do something drastic to make it a point. The fact he does not need the prefects at all or to make them stay away from him at all cost. He was about to exit through the doors when Hughes speak. "Rosenkreuz-san, I will pull them out from their protection detail if you have someone who can protect you willingly and efficiently." Stopping from his steps, the pure-blood casually looked over his shoulder meeting those discerning black eyes. Nothing can be seen about him, he remained completely calm and empty for anyone's eyes. "But, you don't have anyone else but them, don't you?"
Returning his eyes forward to the doors, he simply closed his eyes for a moment before answering. āRemove them, I will have some else by my side." That was his departing statement as Zenith left the room. Hughes raised an eyebrow at those words. So, there was someone the pure-blood was willing to risk to protect him? Well, it was not going to be difficult if the pure-blood uses that. However, Zenith was too hard-headed to exercise such skills. In which, he wondered who was close enough to gain Zenith's trust and he was will to have by his side in time of danger. It was impossible for Alice. Well, he could only offer a small smile in thought. "You're that willing..." Releasing a small sigh, he stood from his chair. "I guess, it's time for me to see to those three then."
O could feel the anger boiling beneath the emotionless mask of his Master. They were connected after all. Technically, he was a part of his Master. A portion molded to have its consciousness but, still only a part of something big. In any case, this is why he wanted his Creator to abandon his wish all together. His Master will be more happy beside these people. He should just stay in this academy and enjoy a normal school life. However, similar to how his Master was bound to a past, he was also bound to his Master's will. There was no regret in that for O. He only hoped that there was more he could do than to watch his Master spiral further into the heart of the abyss.
A girl with long hair appeared, a pure-blood no doubt about it. O does not know this girl in any way. However, he does not sense any ill will coming from her. So, he simply stood beside Haruka watching them talk to each other if that was what one could describe it. It would be faster if the human does get on the female pure-blood. However, he was rather curious why the reaction was similar to that of drunk person or someone drugged. Could it be possibly from the dagger still on Haruka's body? The girl was stubborn and said she wanted to follow him. O knew that she was pertaining to his Master but she was not in the best condition to do so. Then, she shifted topics with saying he looked fluffy. His blue eyes blinked a couple of times in confusion. It would be better for him to stay with the human for the time being. "I will join you until I'm certain Ms. Haruka is out of harm's way."
The familiar stated towards the newcomer however, he was a bit worried when Haruka lost her balance. She must be very weak not to maintain her balance which was completely understandable. O looked at the human with those big blue of eyes of his filled with worry. Unlike his Master, he is willing to express countless emotions without much of a hindrance. Meeting those glazed eyes of hers, O knew that there was something else on that dagger. "She might be poisoned. We need to get her to the infirmary." After stating that, it was then she heard her words. She was wondering if he was crying inside. O was not certain who she was talking about but he has a good idea. He softly answered not knowing if the girl could hear it before she lost consciousness. "He never stopped crying ever since that day..."
Green eyes looked at the sky slowly turning into the black hue of the night. Golden hair were being played by the evening breeze but some remained as it was bound in a long braid. He released a rather disappointed sigh before standing from his position where he was lying on the grass earlier. "That boy only calls for me now." Shaking his head in disappointment, he shrugged his shoulders and looked at the black butterfly on his shoulder. "Oh well... what can I expect from the roses." He said to no one in particular as he dusted his clothes which resembled that of the Victorian ages in another time. Taking out a pocket watch, he opened it as a sweet melody played. He had a sad yet sweet smile on his face. As for the black butterfly, it slowly disintegrated into a small specks of light. "Here I go." With that said, he closed the pocket watch and went on his way.
There was still concern about Fujiwara and Yamazaki's condition. However, he knew well enough not to confuse the two. Their hatred and their desire to see him pay for his travesty and crimes should not be tampered. Furthermore, Tsukino was there. He would be enough. Somehow, he was not completely at ease with that not due to the other pure-blood's skills. It was rather more about a preference which he did not want to dwell on in a very deep sense. Because truly, he had only one statement in his mind for what he knew was bound to happen between the two. āDon't drink...", these were the words that echoed at the back of his head which he dissuaded into nothing. For now, he allowed his thoughts to focus on one thing. It was the meeting with the Headmaster.
Soon, Zenith was inside the Headmaster's office. He approached the man's desk as his eyes of gold looked down with such emptiness. His face remained a blank, a facade which had been his trademark. However, Hughes was certain that there was more to that. In regards to this pure-blood, there had always been more to what meets the eye. āI do not need them." This was stated in his usual monotone voice as black eyes looked at the visage of the pure-blood unflinchingly. Hughes leaned on his chair and tilted his head to the side to study the one before him. There were also a few splatter of blood on that pristine white uniform. No use denying it. "As expected, those who want you dead attacked. Didn't they?"
A firm silence on the white pure-blood's side served as an answer which only made Hughes sigh. "That is why they are with you. They are your guards." Another moment of silence, Hughes could see that the pure-blood was also quite stubborn. Well, that trait was quite proven on many occasions. āThis is my burden. I can protect myself. Remove them from my side." Taking a deep breath, he could see that the pure-blood was not going to relent this time. At the same time, he would need to see the conditions of the prefects. After all, he did say he would protect the safety of everyone here. "You're a student of this Academy. But, you are also a King."
Standing from his seat, those abyssal black eyes met those amber ones head-on. There was no gentleness but serious intentions and driving authority. "A symbol needed to be safe. Are you that fearful of them being dragged into your darkness?" Hearing this, Zenith showed something that would resembled of a reaction. His eyes narrowed but they remained empty from any sort of emotions. Seeing this, Hughes continued on knowing that the pure-blood still remembered the words he released during the school festival. "They're far stronger than you take them credit for. Or, is it that you are afraid of being dragged out of the darkness you surround yourself by them?"
Without ado, Zenith turned his back from the Headmaster. If the man would not fold, he will do something drastic to make it a point. The fact he does not need the prefects at all or to make them stay away from him at all cost. He was about to exit through the doors when Hughes speak. "Rosenkreuz-san, I will pull them out from their protection detail if you have someone who can protect you willingly and efficiently." Stopping from his steps, the pure-blood casually looked over his shoulder meeting those discerning black eyes. Nothing can be seen about him, he remained completely calm and empty for anyone's eyes. "But, you don't have anyone else but them, don't you?"
Returning his eyes forward to the doors, he simply closed his eyes for a moment before answering. āRemove them, I will have some else by my side." That was his departing statement as Zenith left the room. Hughes raised an eyebrow at those words. So, there was someone the pure-blood was willing to risk to protect him? Well, it was not going to be difficult if the pure-blood uses that. However, Zenith was too hard-headed to exercise such skills. In which, he wondered who was close enough to gain Zenith's trust and he was will to have by his side in time of danger. It was impossible for Alice. Well, he could only offer a small smile in thought. "You're that willing..." Releasing a small sigh, he stood from his chair. "I guess, it's time for me to see to those three then."
O could feel the anger boiling beneath the emotionless mask of his Master. They were connected after all. Technically, he was a part of his Master. A portion molded to have its consciousness but, still only a part of something big. In any case, this is why he wanted his Creator to abandon his wish all together. His Master will be more happy beside these people. He should just stay in this academy and enjoy a normal school life. However, similar to how his Master was bound to a past, he was also bound to his Master's will. There was no regret in that for O. He only hoped that there was more he could do than to watch his Master spiral further into the heart of the abyss.
A girl with long hair appeared, a pure-blood no doubt about it. O does not know this girl in any way. However, he does not sense any ill will coming from her. So, he simply stood beside Haruka watching them talk to each other if that was what one could describe it. It would be faster if the human does get on the female pure-blood. However, he was rather curious why the reaction was similar to that of drunk person or someone drugged. Could it be possibly from the dagger still on Haruka's body? The girl was stubborn and said she wanted to follow him. O knew that she was pertaining to his Master but she was not in the best condition to do so. Then, she shifted topics with saying he looked fluffy. His blue eyes blinked a couple of times in confusion. It would be better for him to stay with the human for the time being. "I will join you until I'm certain Ms. Haruka is out of harm's way."
The familiar stated towards the newcomer however, he was a bit worried when Haruka lost her balance. She must be very weak not to maintain her balance which was completely understandable. O looked at the human with those big blue of eyes of his filled with worry. Unlike his Master, he is willing to express countless emotions without much of a hindrance. Meeting those glazed eyes of hers, O knew that there was something else on that dagger. "She might be poisoned. We need to get her to the infirmary." After stating that, it was then she heard her words. She was wondering if he was crying inside. O was not certain who she was talking about but he has a good idea. He softly answered not knowing if the girl could hear it before she lost consciousness. "He never stopped crying ever since that day..."
Green eyes looked at the sky slowly turning into the black hue of the night. Golden hair were being played by the evening breeze but some remained as it was bound in a long braid. He released a rather disappointed sigh before standing from his position where he was lying on the grass earlier. "That boy only calls for me now." Shaking his head in disappointment, he shrugged his shoulders and looked at the black butterfly on his shoulder. "Oh well... what can I expect from the roses." He said to no one in particular as he dusted his clothes which resembled that of the Victorian ages in another time. Taking out a pocket watch, he opened it as a sweet melody played. He had a sad yet sweet smile on his face. As for the black butterfly, it slowly disintegrated into a small specks of light. "Here I go." With that said, he closed the pocket watch and went on his way.
"Truly, this feeling inside is something I can become accustomed to. After all, it only appears when I'm with you."
Asuka kept her eyes closed, however; she frowned slightly when Sora spoke. In a way, she was a bit surprised (and yet not) when he retorted for her to kick him. She cracked one eye open to him before she noticed how close he was. The drumming of her heart thundered loudly in her ears as both of his arms were now caging her between the tree and himself. His statement caught her off guard slightly. Help? Did she truly look that helpless? She sighed as she calmed the beating of her heart to steady drum beats. She hadn't missed the tilt of his head, nor the vein that she swore she could hear his blood flowing through. She might have needed blood, yes that was a given but, she didn't want to put him in that particular position again. The first time she took his blood was because of Zenith. She wanted to laugh at the irony. Once again, she needed blood because of Zenith.
"Yeah, I am reckless, but you wouldn't love me any other way," she retorted in sarcastic humor. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she glanced at Sora. He was then giving her two choices. Either he could take her to the infirmary, or she could take his blood to kick-start her regenerative ability. She sighed heavily. She could go to the infirmary for a blood transfusion, but the way she would have to have it would be to ingest it. And of course that wouldn't look wrong at all. A human student drinking blood, completely normal. But here, where there were no prying eyes, she could have his blood. "Why?" were the first words out of her mouth as she placed her hands on both sides of his face, pressing lightly against his cheeks. She released his face and laid her head along the edge of his shoulder.
"This is the second time you've offered me your blood, Sora," she stated as she softly inhaled his scent. It was rather soothing for her, and somewhere, she appreciated it. She kept her head on his shoulder before she pulled away, her eyes glowing a faint vermilion before returning to their jade color. "I will never understand you will I?" she stated, a light smile playing at her lips before she sighed. What other choice did she have really? At least it would be his blood, and no one elses. How odd that she would see it that way. She then hovered over his jugular vein and closed her eyes. She could feel her fangs already elongating and protruding from her mouth. When had she become so dependant on her vampire side? Wasn't she trying so hard to conceal it?
It seemed natural though, as if she were meant to be a vampire, with him, but instead was shorted in the process. Softly, her lips descended upon his neck as her fangs pierced his flesh. She could feel the blood overflowing from the wounds and she began to take her fill. Fluttering images passed through her mind as she tried her hardest not to pry. His memories were not for her to know and she didn't want to intrude. Especially if there was a particular memory he did not want anyone to know about. Once her wounds were healed, she released herself from him, wiping any excess blood from her mouth in the process. Her once jade eyes were still crimson in color, and she stared at his own dark ones. She was trying to figure him out, but couldn't. She had never felt so...intrigued of a person before, let alone a vampire. She reached out, cupping his face in a gentle hold as she continued to hold his gaze. A smile tugged at her lips.
"Promise me this will be the last time I have to take your blood for my recklessness," she stated as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She embraced him, holding him there for what seemed like hours, but was just a mere few minutes. She could feel the itching of her thirst subsiding greatly, as if she finally sated it. She still couldn't understand what it was about his blood that it had that affect on her. She released him from her embrace as she kept the smile on her face. Suddenly, there was a sudden urge that surged through her being, and the next set of actions she did caught her completely off guard, although she wouldn't doubt it if it was the same for Sora. She pulled his face forward, connecting their lips in the process as she wrapped her arms around his neck once more.
She couldn't explain the warmth she received from doing such a thing, however; once it settled in what she was doing, she pulled away, albeit slowly and a bit disappointingly. She hid her face in his shirt, hiding the furious red that colored her face. "Ah, I am sorry, I shouldn't have," she stated in a flustered tone before removing herself from him and the tree. "We should probably head back to the Headmaster now," she muttered, laughing nervously as she made her way towards the main building.
āThis feelingā¦ itās like being cut by a knife, onlyā¦ I wouldnāt trade it for anything else.ā
āOf course,ā Sachiko replied to O. Sometimes it was difficult to remember that humans were so much more frail than her kind. A knife in the shoulder, poisoned or not, likely wouldnāt have done anything worth noticing to a pure-blood, but a humanā¦ they were so fragile. Like glass. You could admire them from a distance maybe, but apply even a little pressure, and they tended to shatter. Maybe Haruka could be stronger than that, mentally, but physically, she would always have her limitations. It was why she needed to learn how to fight smart.
Though it would have been easier to carry her on her back, Sachiko didnāt have that option anymore, so instead, she crouched, supernatural strength easily allowing her to gather the girl into her arms. Still, Sachiko was small, even smaller than Haruka, and it wasnāt the weight she was worried about as much as the awkwardness of trying to carry her and not accidentally hit something. Still, she took off at an impressive clip, reaching the infirmary in about a minute total. Quickly, she explained to the nurses what had happened, and they got to work.
For her part, Sachiko kept a vigil by Harukaās bedside, and eventually, Kaede found her and joined her. Sheād sent a message to the younger girlās phone, in the special encrypted language only the three of them knew. Sora had deemed it necessary to learn such a thing after what had happened to the rest of the family, and she knew it was smart. Putting her arm around the human child sheād come to see as something between a younger sister and a daughter, Sachiko reassured the worried Kaede that Haruka was going to be okay, and they both fell silent, leaning on one another as they waited for the girl to wake.
Sora choked uncomfortably on the word ālove,ā but sheād meant it as a joke, and he managed to avoid shifting uncomfortably. He didnāt really know how to do something like that. He cared about Sachiko and Kaede, and would gladly lay down his miserable life for either of them, or for Fujiwara, and maybe, one day, for Yamazaki as well. He knew himself well enough to understand this much. Butā¦ beyond that, he just wasnāt sure of anything. That wordā¦ it was something theyād tried to train out of him, right along with his other weaknesses. Could something like him even be capable of it? He didnāt know.
Her hands were soft, so much softer than his, and her question softer still. Why? Why what? Why did he offer her this? A dozen potential answers came to mind, from something as simple as āyou need itā to one as embarrassing as ābecause you matter to me.ā In the end, though, he picked the only one he could: āI donāt know.ā It was the truth, but so was the fact that he offered anyway. He was not experienced with emotions, and the majority of them he might never understand. But he acted as he felt like acting; in this way, he was instinctual, primal in a way the more ācivilizedā members of his race were not. That much at least, his familyāno, not family, jailersāhad always encouraged. Instinct often learned first what intellect only picked up on later, and the difference might be enough to save a life.
He could feel his memories surfacing, and suppressed only the one that was ugliest to him, or those most gruesome, ones he wouldnāt want her to have to share. Some of the things he had seen, he would wish upon nobody, and there was already enough death and destruction in her life. But he shared with her some of his dearer ones: of his childhood with Sachiko, and two human faces that belonged to the only friends heād had before her, and let her feel his astonishment upon first setting eyes on their child. Such a rare thing to see in a world like theirs, where lives were measured in centuries. He helped her watch that child grow up, into a redheaded teenager she would recognize as Kaede, and she would hear the words Sakura had spoke to him, the day she died: āHelp her, Sora. Help our daughter. Raise her strongā¦ for us.ā
He allowed her to see his resolution, that he would slay in vengeance those who had hurt his friends, Kaedeās parents, and brought down the rest of his life around his ears. He even gave her a glimpse of a white mask, in Kaedeās little hands as she drew a purple slash over one eye, not knowing that he allowed it so that she would have a small, innocent part of her parentsā retribution. She would even see herself, though his eyes, on one of the occasions heād slain a vampire who would have attacked her on a mission.
But there, the visions ended, and she pulled away from him. He was slightly dizzy, though if this was from the amount sheād taken or the fact that heād focused so hard on giving her the memories he wanted to, he neither knew nor cared. She spoke, but it took him a while to find his tongue, and by then, sheād gently tugged him forward and pressed her lips to his. He responded, as he always did, on instinct, returning it with a certain kind of hunger that had nothing to do with blood. Startled at the sudden influx of feeling, he pulled back at the same time as she did, and for once, there was nothing empty about his eyes at all. They were still black, but undeniably full of things he did not know or could not say: confusion, wariness, a small jot of fear that she would take this poorly, and even something best called affection, though the word as the feeling was almost foreign to him.
Sora swallowed thickly, finding his voice at last. When he spoke, his voice was a few notches deeper than usual, even for him, though this was not something he did on purpose. āDonāt. Apologize, I mean. Iā¦ā he trailed off, glancing askance in a rare lack of composure. Shaking his head, he tried again. āMy blood, anything I have to give that you could want. Take it. Youāreā¦ You matter to me, in ways that donāt make sense to me, soā¦ donāt hesitate to ask me for things.ā His face felt like it was on fire, a strange affliction that was also turning him red, though he didnāt know it.
Coughing awkwardly, he straightened, trying to smooth his expression out again, and then his phone beeped, saving him from needing to transition out of that. His eyes narrowed, and he frowned. When next he spoke, he appeared to have returned to normal. āYamazaki has been taken to the infirmary. She collapsed when Sachiko went to help her. We could go see her, after we visit the headmaster, if you wantā¦ā He trailed off, and offered a raised brow in question, fighting off the resurgence of color to his face.
Though it would have been easier to carry her on her back, Sachiko didnāt have that option anymore, so instead, she crouched, supernatural strength easily allowing her to gather the girl into her arms. Still, Sachiko was small, even smaller than Haruka, and it wasnāt the weight she was worried about as much as the awkwardness of trying to carry her and not accidentally hit something. Still, she took off at an impressive clip, reaching the infirmary in about a minute total. Quickly, she explained to the nurses what had happened, and they got to work.
For her part, Sachiko kept a vigil by Harukaās bedside, and eventually, Kaede found her and joined her. Sheād sent a message to the younger girlās phone, in the special encrypted language only the three of them knew. Sora had deemed it necessary to learn such a thing after what had happened to the rest of the family, and she knew it was smart. Putting her arm around the human child sheād come to see as something between a younger sister and a daughter, Sachiko reassured the worried Kaede that Haruka was going to be okay, and they both fell silent, leaning on one another as they waited for the girl to wake.
Sora choked uncomfortably on the word ālove,ā but sheād meant it as a joke, and he managed to avoid shifting uncomfortably. He didnāt really know how to do something like that. He cared about Sachiko and Kaede, and would gladly lay down his miserable life for either of them, or for Fujiwara, and maybe, one day, for Yamazaki as well. He knew himself well enough to understand this much. Butā¦ beyond that, he just wasnāt sure of anything. That wordā¦ it was something theyād tried to train out of him, right along with his other weaknesses. Could something like him even be capable of it? He didnāt know.
Her hands were soft, so much softer than his, and her question softer still. Why? Why what? Why did he offer her this? A dozen potential answers came to mind, from something as simple as āyou need itā to one as embarrassing as ābecause you matter to me.ā In the end, though, he picked the only one he could: āI donāt know.ā It was the truth, but so was the fact that he offered anyway. He was not experienced with emotions, and the majority of them he might never understand. But he acted as he felt like acting; in this way, he was instinctual, primal in a way the more ācivilizedā members of his race were not. That much at least, his familyāno, not family, jailersāhad always encouraged. Instinct often learned first what intellect only picked up on later, and the difference might be enough to save a life.
He could feel his memories surfacing, and suppressed only the one that was ugliest to him, or those most gruesome, ones he wouldnāt want her to have to share. Some of the things he had seen, he would wish upon nobody, and there was already enough death and destruction in her life. But he shared with her some of his dearer ones: of his childhood with Sachiko, and two human faces that belonged to the only friends heād had before her, and let her feel his astonishment upon first setting eyes on their child. Such a rare thing to see in a world like theirs, where lives were measured in centuries. He helped her watch that child grow up, into a redheaded teenager she would recognize as Kaede, and she would hear the words Sakura had spoke to him, the day she died: āHelp her, Sora. Help our daughter. Raise her strongā¦ for us.ā
He allowed her to see his resolution, that he would slay in vengeance those who had hurt his friends, Kaedeās parents, and brought down the rest of his life around his ears. He even gave her a glimpse of a white mask, in Kaedeās little hands as she drew a purple slash over one eye, not knowing that he allowed it so that she would have a small, innocent part of her parentsā retribution. She would even see herself, though his eyes, on one of the occasions heād slain a vampire who would have attacked her on a mission.
But there, the visions ended, and she pulled away from him. He was slightly dizzy, though if this was from the amount sheād taken or the fact that heād focused so hard on giving her the memories he wanted to, he neither knew nor cared. She spoke, but it took him a while to find his tongue, and by then, sheād gently tugged him forward and pressed her lips to his. He responded, as he always did, on instinct, returning it with a certain kind of hunger that had nothing to do with blood. Startled at the sudden influx of feeling, he pulled back at the same time as she did, and for once, there was nothing empty about his eyes at all. They were still black, but undeniably full of things he did not know or could not say: confusion, wariness, a small jot of fear that she would take this poorly, and even something best called affection, though the word as the feeling was almost foreign to him.
Sora swallowed thickly, finding his voice at last. When he spoke, his voice was a few notches deeper than usual, even for him, though this was not something he did on purpose. āDonāt. Apologize, I mean. Iā¦ā he trailed off, glancing askance in a rare lack of composure. Shaking his head, he tried again. āMy blood, anything I have to give that you could want. Take it. Youāreā¦ You matter to me, in ways that donāt make sense to me, soā¦ donāt hesitate to ask me for things.ā His face felt like it was on fire, a strange affliction that was also turning him red, though he didnāt know it.
Coughing awkwardly, he straightened, trying to smooth his expression out again, and then his phone beeped, saving him from needing to transition out of that. His eyes narrowed, and he frowned. When next he spoke, he appeared to have returned to normal. āYamazaki has been taken to the infirmary. She collapsed when Sachiko went to help her. We could go see her, after we visit the headmaster, if you wantā¦ā He trailed off, and offered a raised brow in question, fighting off the resurgence of color to his face.
"He never stopped crying ever since that day..."
Those soft words echoed around in her dark mind, they were what she held onto, so she wouldn't slip away. Haruka could feel everything, she could feel herself being lifted up, the numbness spreading, and the burning sensation that was slowly coming forth from her shoulder and explnaded, over taking the numbness and making the red head feel like she should be withering on the ground in pain. It felt like hours until more voices flooded her mind, through she couldn't focus on any of them, they all sounded so slow, so far away. Most of all through, she just felt tired. A small cover of sweat soon covered her body as a fever broke free. Haruka wanted to open her eyes, to try and get all of the hands off of her, they were poking at her shoulder, where the pain was. She heard someone yell to another person about pain medicine, but she didn't even feel the needle pierce her skin. All Haru could feel was the pain it was horribly, like someone had turned her blood to liquid lava and she was cooking from the inside out, there was nothing for her to hold on to, nothing to keep her from that imaginary edgethat would result in her death. Was this how she was going to die? In horrible pain surrounded by people she didn't know? Fate was so cruel.
"He never stopped crying ever since that day..."
Those soft words played over and over again like a twisted melody, keeping the pain at bay, keeping her from falling off of that edge, but all at once a the object that had been lodged into her shoulder and jerked free, not gently mind you, and Haruka couldn't help but throw her head back and let loose a glass breaking scream. What kind of pain medicine did those people use?! She could still feel everything. Order's were being shouted around the room as her body went limp and her fever spiked. Oh god, I'm going to die here. She could feel tears streaming down her face as she withered from the pain within herself. For some reason, she couldn't move anymore. What couldn't she move? Was this normal? Haruka wanted to open her eyes, to scream at the people around her, to tell them to do something, anything to make the pain stop, but she couldn't move her body, she couldn't open her eyes, she could barely breath. I don't want to die on this bed! Haruka's finger's twitched, she tried to move her hand, but it was hard, it was nearly impossible, she needed to through, she needed to let someone know what was going on, that something was wrong. If only she could move her hand, if only a little.
"He never stopped crying ever since that day..."
Why? Why was he crying inside? What had happened on 'that day'? If she died here, Haruka would never know, she would never be able to figure it out, she would never be able to help him. She wasn't sure when she started to want to help him, she should want the man dead, but oddly enough, he was what was holding her heart at a steady pace. Her finger's twitched again, through the rest of her body stayed completely still. She could feel the heat surrounding her body, and shouts of a woman screaming something about ice packs, and Haruka felt something around her shift, felt something being placed by her side, and then, nothing. I want to...I have to... There had to be something, anything she could do, she had to let them know.
"The former Headmaster was bound to die. He was suffering from a disease that would soon claim his life. He only had a few weeks left."
Her breath hitched.
"You were there when the previous Headmaster died. Did you not notice? He had a smile. He was at peace."
Flashes filled her mind, memories of all the times she had spent with the Headmaster, laughing and smiling and being happy, she remembered the look on his face as he lay there, the image had been branded into her mind, it would never leave her, because she knew it was true. He had been happy, and yet...
"Do you wish to die."
All at once, her blue eyes snapped open and her hand shot out, grabbing someone's wrist in a death grip. For some reason, no matter whoever it was above her that she was looking at, all she could see were those emotionless gold eyes, and for some reason, like the first time she had gotten a look at those eyes close up, when she was panicking and bleeding from the neck, she was oddly comforted. Her face softened while her grip tightened. "Don't cry anymore..." Part of her was so sure she was looking up at Zenith, that she couldn't help the words that escaped, but then, the pain grew, the fire in her limbs spread, and she let out another cry of pain before her eyes shot once more. The only diffrence was that she now clung to someones wrist for dear life.
|āThis is the only time I would ask for a favor that will be your downfall."|
Golden eyes looked at the black sky. The crescent moon hanged above while the stars glitter like a river of diamonds. Night had finally fallen to cover the vast expanse of this world. As for a certain white-haired pure-blood, he stood at the front of the Memorial Site which was established to remember the lives that were lost on that horrible day at Cross Academy. The time where he had taken the responsibility of causing a very terrifying nightmare. He must be a very cruel person. Because until now, there was not an ounce of regret he felt in his actions. He then returned his attention to the memorial marker and looked at all the names written on it. "So you have finally call for me, kid." A very familiar voice it was indeed. However, it was not something that was alarming nor he would consider as a threat.
āGood evening, Luke." Zenith did not look behind him nor did he look to acknowledge the presence of the newcomer. However, this was the first time for him to call anyone by name except for his familiar and sister. From that, one could conclude the depths the relationship between the two. It was not of a simple acquaintance. "Good evening to you too, kid." The one known as Luke replied back cheerfully as he now finally stood beside the Rosenkreuz pure-blood. His green eyes that seemed to rival that of gems gazed at the memorial stone in front of them. "So, these are the people who you killed without flinching." He said that with such a casual tone while Zenith remained emotionless as always.
The white-haired pure-blood did not answer. There was no need for him to say anything at all. Luke released a small sigh and then looked at the crystal roses placed underneath the memorial. He knew well this was created by none other than the now known King of Vampires. At the same time, he is well-aware of what happened and the dark hand to ensure it became a reality. Oh yes, Luke was very familiar with his particular taste in mayhem. "Many want you dead. Shall I help you for a while, boy?" Upon hearing this statement, Zenith finally looked at Luke who was not to be underestimated. This person was a powerful being without a doubt. Furthermore, Luke was not just any other person. He was a vampire and a pure-blood at that. It is why Zenith was certain this will be enough to have the prefects be removed from his side.
āYes." That was the short answer provided by the white pure-blood. Luke smiled at this and placed a hand on the boy's snow white hair. He appears so mature and all but in the end, this is what makes Zenith a kid in front of him. "Took you long enough." He then messed Zenith's hair in a playful manner in which the Rosenkreuz pure-blood allowed freely. Somehow, this gesture was a welcomed thing. Although, he remained emotionless throughout. āI apologize." Luke only smiled at this and playfully slapped Zenith on his shoulder. This boy was truly helpless in the end. Luke knows this very well.
O was truly concerned in regards of Haruka's condition. The human girl had been poisoned. It was to be expected. The doctors and nurses were in panic of the girl's condition. They should be. However, he could not do anything for her. Perhaps, the pure-blood female can do something. He does not want to see someone like her in such horrid pain. In thinking, his Master could do something. However, the pure-blood was stubborn and even more so, they were now enemies. Despite that, O knew the kindness which his Master covers with black-hearted truths. This is why O still hopes that his Master will choose these people, this place, this life rather than that wish, that lost promise.
The familiar was about to say something when the doors to the infirmary were opened. There came the new Headmaster. The man whom his Master was very wary of. The medical staff surrounded the man and related to him the condition of Haruka. He simply nodded and looked at the medical data handed to him "I see." That was all he said before approaching the bed. However, he did not forget to acknowledge the presence of Sachiko, Kaede, and even O. He then looked at Haruka and from the symptoms alone. This poison was very familiar to him, very. He then took a piece of paper and wrote on it. "Give me these materials and inform the other two prefects that I'm here."
He handed them to a nearby nurse who quickly procured it. Once it was with him, he immediately concocted the antidote. His actions were fast and concise. From those who observed him, he was very well-versed and used to such machinations. After he was done, he placed the liquid into a syringe and injected it onto the forearm of Haruka. When it was done, he released a deep breath and glanced at the three. "Now, it is all up to her." After saying that, he was surprised when someone grabbed hold of his wrist so tightly. It was none other than Haruka. He met those blue eyes which seemed to be hazed. This girl was seeing someone else and spoke something about not to cry anymore.
Hughes was confused about this statement as he raised an eyebrow. However, O was not. The familiar knew who Haruka was pertaining to. She was pertaining to his Master. Soon, Haruka lost consciousness as it could be seen she was writhing in pain. Hughes gestured for a chair to stay beside the girl. The serum was effective then. Fighting the poison within the system was supposed to be painful. It was designed that way. He placed his free hand on the girl's forehead. Now, he knew why the pure-blood king was insistent on removing the prefects from protecting him. The peril was much real. Anyone who was observing him, they could see a regretful and worried expression. The Headmaster seemed so sad for having place the girl in this position. "Be strong, Haruka-san. You're a strong girl aren't you?."
Zenith suddenly looked at the direction of the main building. O was transmitting images and words to him. It is why he knew what was happening. Luke noticed this and then followed the boy's gaze and sighed. "Worried?" Zenith removed his eyes from the building and then looked at the side. Yes, he was. However, that girl was strong. They were all strong. In addition, there were people by her side. People who will take care of her. He has no place there. He is their enemy and he was intent on keeping it that way. Luke placed his arms behind his head and sighed. "You can go you know." Zenith looked at Luke with those usual empty eyes. āNo. It is of no consequence to me."
Just like that, Zenith left the area to go to the Moon Dormitory. He will retire to his chambers. This day was over for him. As for Luke, he shook his head in resignation. The boy was still too naive as always. Well, this is why he is here. He took one last look at the Memorial Stone. "Rest in peace." With that said, he followed Zenith. From this point on, he will be the personal guard of the new Pure-blood King.
āGood evening, Luke." Zenith did not look behind him nor did he look to acknowledge the presence of the newcomer. However, this was the first time for him to call anyone by name except for his familiar and sister. From that, one could conclude the depths the relationship between the two. It was not of a simple acquaintance. "Good evening to you too, kid." The one known as Luke replied back cheerfully as he now finally stood beside the Rosenkreuz pure-blood. His green eyes that seemed to rival that of gems gazed at the memorial stone in front of them. "So, these are the people who you killed without flinching." He said that with such a casual tone while Zenith remained emotionless as always.
The white-haired pure-blood did not answer. There was no need for him to say anything at all. Luke released a small sigh and then looked at the crystal roses placed underneath the memorial. He knew well this was created by none other than the now known King of Vampires. At the same time, he is well-aware of what happened and the dark hand to ensure it became a reality. Oh yes, Luke was very familiar with his particular taste in mayhem. "Many want you dead. Shall I help you for a while, boy?" Upon hearing this statement, Zenith finally looked at Luke who was not to be underestimated. This person was a powerful being without a doubt. Furthermore, Luke was not just any other person. He was a vampire and a pure-blood at that. It is why Zenith was certain this will be enough to have the prefects be removed from his side.
āYes." That was the short answer provided by the white pure-blood. Luke smiled at this and placed a hand on the boy's snow white hair. He appears so mature and all but in the end, this is what makes Zenith a kid in front of him. "Took you long enough." He then messed Zenith's hair in a playful manner in which the Rosenkreuz pure-blood allowed freely. Somehow, this gesture was a welcomed thing. Although, he remained emotionless throughout. āI apologize." Luke only smiled at this and playfully slapped Zenith on his shoulder. This boy was truly helpless in the end. Luke knows this very well.
O was truly concerned in regards of Haruka's condition. The human girl had been poisoned. It was to be expected. The doctors and nurses were in panic of the girl's condition. They should be. However, he could not do anything for her. Perhaps, the pure-blood female can do something. He does not want to see someone like her in such horrid pain. In thinking, his Master could do something. However, the pure-blood was stubborn and even more so, they were now enemies. Despite that, O knew the kindness which his Master covers with black-hearted truths. This is why O still hopes that his Master will choose these people, this place, this life rather than that wish, that lost promise.
The familiar was about to say something when the doors to the infirmary were opened. There came the new Headmaster. The man whom his Master was very wary of. The medical staff surrounded the man and related to him the condition of Haruka. He simply nodded and looked at the medical data handed to him "I see." That was all he said before approaching the bed. However, he did not forget to acknowledge the presence of Sachiko, Kaede, and even O. He then looked at Haruka and from the symptoms alone. This poison was very familiar to him, very. He then took a piece of paper and wrote on it. "Give me these materials and inform the other two prefects that I'm here."
He handed them to a nearby nurse who quickly procured it. Once it was with him, he immediately concocted the antidote. His actions were fast and concise. From those who observed him, he was very well-versed and used to such machinations. After he was done, he placed the liquid into a syringe and injected it onto the forearm of Haruka. When it was done, he released a deep breath and glanced at the three. "Now, it is all up to her." After saying that, he was surprised when someone grabbed hold of his wrist so tightly. It was none other than Haruka. He met those blue eyes which seemed to be hazed. This girl was seeing someone else and spoke something about not to cry anymore.
Hughes was confused about this statement as he raised an eyebrow. However, O was not. The familiar knew who Haruka was pertaining to. She was pertaining to his Master. Soon, Haruka lost consciousness as it could be seen she was writhing in pain. Hughes gestured for a chair to stay beside the girl. The serum was effective then. Fighting the poison within the system was supposed to be painful. It was designed that way. He placed his free hand on the girl's forehead. Now, he knew why the pure-blood king was insistent on removing the prefects from protecting him. The peril was much real. Anyone who was observing him, they could see a regretful and worried expression. The Headmaster seemed so sad for having place the girl in this position. "Be strong, Haruka-san. You're a strong girl aren't you?."
Zenith suddenly looked at the direction of the main building. O was transmitting images and words to him. It is why he knew what was happening. Luke noticed this and then followed the boy's gaze and sighed. "Worried?" Zenith removed his eyes from the building and then looked at the side. Yes, he was. However, that girl was strong. They were all strong. In addition, there were people by her side. People who will take care of her. He has no place there. He is their enemy and he was intent on keeping it that way. Luke placed his arms behind his head and sighed. "You can go you know." Zenith looked at Luke with those usual empty eyes. āNo. It is of no consequence to me."
Just like that, Zenith left the area to go to the Moon Dormitory. He will retire to his chambers. This day was over for him. As for Luke, he shook his head in resignation. The boy was still too naive as always. Well, this is why he is here. He took one last look at the Memorial Stone. "Rest in peace." With that said, he followed Zenith. From this point on, he will be the personal guard of the new Pure-blood King.
"Even though things fade with time, you are the one thing I hope never fades."
Asuka stopped in her tracks midway when Sora spoke. She turned to face him, a small smile playing at her lips before a mischievous one was tugging at them. His tone, she hadn't missed the notch that it had dropped and his statement; she could interpret that in many ways. She, however, decided to interpret it as something he would do because they were friends, and that's what friends do. They helped each other in any way they could. She shook her head lightly, chuckling to herself in the process as the smile disappeared from her face. Haruka was in the infirmary due to the wound on her back. That girl was getting reckless as ever. She could hear Snow scoffing off in the distance and calling her a hypocrite, but she shoo'd the bird away. If she wanted, he said.
"Yeah, the girl, she's something," she stated and laughed to brighten her mood. She didn't want to feel as if someone were weighing her down, nor did she want to feel these mixed emotions. She wasn't a fool, she knew exactly what was going on with her, however; that doesn't mean she knew how to handle it. This was completely new for her and she didn't want to do anything reckless nor something she might regret later. Pushing those thoughts far from her mind, she turned around and glanced towards the main building. "I suppose we should go then. I feel much better, although I don't know how I am going to explain these bloody clothes and no wounds to show for them," she stated in a nervous tone. She could stop by and put on a fresh pair of clothing, but even then that would raise questions.
She rubbed her temples in an attempt to calm her thoughts and succeeded slowly. They were resigned to the farthest depths as she took off in a slow walk towards the building. It took a bit longer to return to the Main Building, but it wasn't something Asuka particularly cared much for. As soon as she stepped foot inside the building, one of the staff members informed her of the Headmaster's whereabouts. He was in the infirmary, with Haruka. That was all that was relayed before Asuka nodded in understanding. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure that Sora wasn't too far behind before making her way towards the infirmary. It seems that the wound was much more grave than Asuka had thought. The staff member had mentioned something about poison, which caused Asuka to raise an eyebrow in confusion.
If the daggers were laced with poison, shouldn't she be under the same situation? Then again, perhaps her vampire blood was staving it off, or perhaps it was her human blood. She didn't know, but that wasn't what mattered at the moment. She wanted to check upon her friend first. She would be able to kill two birds with one stone. She could inform the Headmaster while also checking up on Haruka. She wanted to believe that Haruka would be okay. After all, the girl was much stronger than Asuka would give her credit for. She was still alive and well despite all that had happened around her. If that wasn't strength, then Asuka didn't know what was. She didn't believe it was a person's physical strength that made them strong, but she didn't believe that a person's emotional strength could make them strong either.
One had to be balanced in both, otherwise one would outweigh the other. Her thoughts were interrupted when she approached the door to the infirmary. Placing a hand on the door knob, she took a deep breath before pushing the door open. She had walked in to see the Headmaster along with the two that she knew as part of Sora's family, sitting along side Haruka's bed. She also spotted the familiar that belonged to Zenith, O, if she remembered correctly. She furrowed her brows at the familiar before they settled back into place. Haruka was hurt and everyone around seemed worried. She didn't have time allow her petty emotions get the better of her right now. Instead, she walked up to the Headmaster and delivered the information that he would need to know, including the deaths of the ex-hunters detained by Zenith himself.
Once that was finished, she glanced at Haruka's sleeping form. She seemed to be in so much pain that she could feel her heart aching for the girl. She wanted to make it so that she wouldn't have to feel the pain again, but there was nothing she could do to provide more comfort for the girl. Instead, she left Haruka in the care of the three people in her room. She apologized as she excused herself from the room. If the Headmaster had to say anything, she could hear it first thing in the morning when she reported once more to him. She was so very tired and the moon was already hanging brightly in the sky. Glancing at it, she smiled softly. Today had been the weirdest day of her life, but then again she was sure there were more to come.
The memories she received from Sora, they surfaced without her trying to, and one particular memory caught her attention. Frowning, she turned and glanced down the empty hallway. He had been there on a hunt of hers. He had been there...and said nothing. All this time, she had worried herself about his condition and how he was, and he was there. She felt a light flare of anger in her being before it settled down to a steady, calm rhythm. She shook her head as she made her way towards her dorm. She could be angry at him for another reason, one that would probably be worth her anger. After all, she didn't want to be angry at him, especially him.
|āAn abyss which one can never hope to escape is a rather boring end to a life filled with imagined slights."|
Emerald green eyes looked at the Rosenkreuz pure-blood thoughtfully. The ever emotionless King was asleep which was one of his certain eccentric behavior which had been noted by others. However, Luke was well-aware of the reason of such actions. This was all due to being stubborn. Whether this was a good or bad trait, he will never know for certain. Releasing a small sigh, he looked at slightly parted curtains. There were tendrils of sun light entering the dark room. It seemed that morning had finally arrived. Well, it was time for classes from which he could deduce as he could hear other movements outside the chambers of the white pure-blood.
Returning his attention on the said pure-blood, the kid had fallen asleep on his chair while they were playing a chess. Of course, the match was still unfinished and from what could be seen on the board, the battle was on even fields. He did tell the boy they could have continued this on some other time. But as he had concluded before, this boy was awfully stubborn. Well, this is rather also a charm of the white pure-blood. Standing from his seat, he approached the windows with the parted curtains. He opened it enough for him to see movement from the outside. Of course, there were already students walking about. Well, they all had umbrellas with them. Ah yes, the irritation to the sun.
āLuke." With that one word, Luke glanced at the white pure-blood who had woken up from his slumber. His golden eyes remained as vacant as ever but he could tell the telltale signs of annoyance. It was probably due to not waking him up for the classes. This made Luke smile in amusement. "Awake already, sleeping beauty?" Zenith simply stood from his seat and then looked at the chess board in silence. He reached for the white bishop and effectively removed the black knight. Luke gave an approving nod and then took out his pocket watch. As he opened it, a melody played through the room. This made Zenith looked at Luke who was now staring fondly at the golden pocket watch. The white pure-blood knew the melody well.
"So, today starts my student life." This was true as the papers of his enrollment had already been prepared and done. Luke was now a student of Cross Academy and a night class student. "Hey kid, I might be more popular than you." Zenith ignored the man entirely as he really had nothing else to say. His so-called popularity was nothing important to him. To him, it was not an annoyance or worthwhile. It was simply there. Instead, the Rosenkreuz pure-blood went to prepare himself for the day. He did have a class to attend. This time, he would not need to have those three people to be around him. Luke shrugged at this and then closed the pocket watch and kept it. He wondered what kind of interesting people he would meet. After all, they must be for the kid to call for him.
"Luke Evalice..." Hughes spoke out loud to no one in particular as he read the application and supporting documents. Everything was in order as much as possible for someone like this person. This was the new student of the Night Class. Of course, this was also the one who will be the Pure-blood King's protector. An amused smile lingered on his lips. Things will only escalate more and this is a pleasant thing for him. Anyway, he placed the papers on his desk and then leaned on his chair as he stretched his arms upward. He had managed to remove himself from Yamazaki's deathlike grip. The girl was out of the woods and should be able to make a full recover.
Speaking of which, Fujiwara reported what happened yesterday and which Tsukino made certain. It seemed he was right on he bat when Zenith barged into his office. Although, it was not about that which caused his interest about the two prefects. It was the scent of blood which lingered between them. He has only one conclusion about that and this only makes the plot thicken. Anyway, he had ask the two to report to him earlier and they did. He had told them they were not to guard the white pure-blood which should be for a week. Now, they were to focus on their prefect duties and simply watch for any fishy movements from Zenith. Whether they liked it or not, it was for them to think and react about. He had already said what was needed for now. All he had to do now is watch the fireworks across the skies of the unrelenting world.
As to be expected, the day class students who were walking along the main pathway to the main building were blushing intensely at the sight. Before them, Zenith as popular as ever was now beside another vision of heavenly beauty. They were all stunned by the duo. However unlike of the white pure-blood, this newcomer was more vibrant and cheerful. "Good morning! What a lovely morning! I wish you all a good day!" Luke happily greeted the students who were looking at them. Of course, others fainted or was in a hysteria of joy. This only made the jolly pure-blood smile more brightly. On the side, Zenith remained as emotionless as ever. "Come on, kid! Brighten up!" With that said, Luke placed an arm around Zenith's shoulder.
"Everyone, you want to see him smile, right?" Luke said to every one around them. Of course, no one responded negatively. They all said yes in even a unified voice. This made Luke nodded with much approval and looked at Zenith with teasing smile. "Now kid, show them that one-million dollar smile!" Zenith was as empty as ever and seemed completely unaffected by the ruckus surrounding them. He simply removed Luke's arm around his shoulder and walked ahead. Luke shook his head at this and had an evil glint on his eyes. However, it seemed that Zenith had an idea as he moved aside effectively dodging Luke.
It would appear that Luke will force Zenith to smile by stretching both of his cheeks. Just like that, the endless routine continued like that with the white pure-blood dodging and Luke still attacking. The Day Class found such a scene invigorating and refreshing in a sense of seeing Zenith interacting with another even if he still remained empty on his emotions. As for the Night Class, they were rather curious for such an event. It is why others were already taking pictures. But soon enough, the school bell rang signifying the official start of the classes for the day.
Returning his attention on the said pure-blood, the kid had fallen asleep on his chair while they were playing a chess. Of course, the match was still unfinished and from what could be seen on the board, the battle was on even fields. He did tell the boy they could have continued this on some other time. But as he had concluded before, this boy was awfully stubborn. Well, this is rather also a charm of the white pure-blood. Standing from his seat, he approached the windows with the parted curtains. He opened it enough for him to see movement from the outside. Of course, there were already students walking about. Well, they all had umbrellas with them. Ah yes, the irritation to the sun.
āLuke." With that one word, Luke glanced at the white pure-blood who had woken up from his slumber. His golden eyes remained as vacant as ever but he could tell the telltale signs of annoyance. It was probably due to not waking him up for the classes. This made Luke smile in amusement. "Awake already, sleeping beauty?" Zenith simply stood from his seat and then looked at the chess board in silence. He reached for the white bishop and effectively removed the black knight. Luke gave an approving nod and then took out his pocket watch. As he opened it, a melody played through the room. This made Zenith looked at Luke who was now staring fondly at the golden pocket watch. The white pure-blood knew the melody well.
"So, today starts my student life." This was true as the papers of his enrollment had already been prepared and done. Luke was now a student of Cross Academy and a night class student. "Hey kid, I might be more popular than you." Zenith ignored the man entirely as he really had nothing else to say. His so-called popularity was nothing important to him. To him, it was not an annoyance or worthwhile. It was simply there. Instead, the Rosenkreuz pure-blood went to prepare himself for the day. He did have a class to attend. This time, he would not need to have those three people to be around him. Luke shrugged at this and then closed the pocket watch and kept it. He wondered what kind of interesting people he would meet. After all, they must be for the kid to call for him.
"Luke Evalice..." Hughes spoke out loud to no one in particular as he read the application and supporting documents. Everything was in order as much as possible for someone like this person. This was the new student of the Night Class. Of course, this was also the one who will be the Pure-blood King's protector. An amused smile lingered on his lips. Things will only escalate more and this is a pleasant thing for him. Anyway, he placed the papers on his desk and then leaned on his chair as he stretched his arms upward. He had managed to remove himself from Yamazaki's deathlike grip. The girl was out of the woods and should be able to make a full recover.
Speaking of which, Fujiwara reported what happened yesterday and which Tsukino made certain. It seemed he was right on he bat when Zenith barged into his office. Although, it was not about that which caused his interest about the two prefects. It was the scent of blood which lingered between them. He has only one conclusion about that and this only makes the plot thicken. Anyway, he had ask the two to report to him earlier and they did. He had told them they were not to guard the white pure-blood which should be for a week. Now, they were to focus on their prefect duties and simply watch for any fishy movements from Zenith. Whether they liked it or not, it was for them to think and react about. He had already said what was needed for now. All he had to do now is watch the fireworks across the skies of the unrelenting world.
As to be expected, the day class students who were walking along the main pathway to the main building were blushing intensely at the sight. Before them, Zenith as popular as ever was now beside another vision of heavenly beauty. They were all stunned by the duo. However unlike of the white pure-blood, this newcomer was more vibrant and cheerful. "Good morning! What a lovely morning! I wish you all a good day!" Luke happily greeted the students who were looking at them. Of course, others fainted or was in a hysteria of joy. This only made the jolly pure-blood smile more brightly. On the side, Zenith remained as emotionless as ever. "Come on, kid! Brighten up!" With that said, Luke placed an arm around Zenith's shoulder.
"Everyone, you want to see him smile, right?" Luke said to every one around them. Of course, no one responded negatively. They all said yes in even a unified voice. This made Luke nodded with much approval and looked at Zenith with teasing smile. "Now kid, show them that one-million dollar smile!" Zenith was as empty as ever and seemed completely unaffected by the ruckus surrounding them. He simply removed Luke's arm around his shoulder and walked ahead. Luke shook his head at this and had an evil glint on his eyes. However, it seemed that Zenith had an idea as he moved aside effectively dodging Luke.
It would appear that Luke will force Zenith to smile by stretching both of his cheeks. Just like that, the endless routine continued like that with the white pure-blood dodging and Luke still attacking. The Day Class found such a scene invigorating and refreshing in a sense of seeing Zenith interacting with another even if he still remained empty on his emotions. As for the Night Class, they were rather curious for such an event. It is why others were already taking pictures. But soon enough, the school bell rang signifying the official start of the classes for the day.